Program

Abstract

To improve the interest of content in live distribution. [Solution] The viewing program (131) causes the processor (10) to execute the steps of: receiving content including an avatar of the broadcaster and a game play screen (S118); playing the content (S120); accepting a first input operation from a viewer who is watching the content using a viewing terminal (S200); and transmitting input information corresponding to the first input operation to the distribution system, thereby causing the distribution system to send a support instruction to the game system (S202).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, technologies for live-distributing content have been developed. Also, distribution technologies have been developed that enable viewers to respond to content during live distribution. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for placing items purchased by viewers on a display screen during live distribution. By having the subject of the video, the distributor, respond to the item, communication between the viewer and the distributor is realized.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, the intervention elements of viewers in live distribution are limited. For example, in the prior art, it is difficult for viewers to intervene in the progress of a game being executed within content, such as a game in so-called "game commentary". The intervention elements of viewers in live distribution are related to the interestingness of the content.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is in view of the above problems, and aims to improve the interestingness of content in live distribution.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The program according to the present disclosure is executed by a computer. The program causes a processor included in the computer to receive content that is delivered in real time and includes a game being played by a distributor, play the content, receive a first input operation from a viewer who is viewing the content, and when the first input operation is received, send a support instruction to cause an effect of assisting the distributor in the game. The program also causes the means for playing to display the content to be played and a UI (user interface) object for receiving the first input operation, receive progress information indicating that the progress of the game by the distributor has reached a predetermined situation, and when the progress information is received in the means for receiving the progress information, execute the means for displaying the UI object, or enable reception of the first input operation for the UI object displayed in the means for displaying the UI object.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the interestingness of the content can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] The support system according to the present disclosure is a system for a viewer of content to support the game play of the distributor of the content. Hereinafter, the support system will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the examples in the following description and drawings, but is defined by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included in the present invention. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements in the description of the drawings, and duplicate descriptions are not repeated.

[0010] 〔Embodiment 1〕 <Outline of the Operation of Support System 1> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the support system 1 according to the present embodiment. The support system 1 includes a distribution system 2, a viewing terminal 100, and a game system 3. There may be a plurality of the distribution system 2, the viewing terminal 100, and the game system 3, respectively.

[0011] (Distribution System 2 and Viewing Terminal 100) The distribution system 2 is a system for delivering content to the viewing terminal 100 in real time. The distribution system 2 includes one or more distribution servers 200 and one or more distribution terminals 300. Hereinafter, delivering content in real time is also referred to as "live distribution".

[0012] The distribution terminal 300 is a device that serves as a main body for live-distributing content. The distribution terminal 300 is realized by, for example, a personal computer (PC) or a smartphone. The distribution terminal 300 creates content for live distribution in response to an input operation by the user of the distribution terminal 300. Hereinafter, the user of the distribution terminal 300 is referred to as a "distributor". Also, the content created by the distribution terminal 300 is simply referred to as "content". The distribution terminal 300 transfers the content to the distribution server 200 in real time.

[0013] The content includes at least the avatar of the distributor and the play screen of the game that the distributor is currently playing using the game terminal 400 described later. The content may be, for example, a so-called "game live" program in which the distributor talks about impressions of game play through voice, avatar gestures, subtitles, etc. while referring to the play screen.

[0014] Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the "game" refers to the game that the distributor is playing and whose play screen is included in the content. The genre and content of the game are not particularly limited. However, the game is a game capable of causing the support effect described later, that is, a game linked with the distribution system 2.

[0015] The distribution server 200 is a streaming server that distributes the content received in real time from the distribution terminal 300 to the viewing terminal 100 using streaming technology. Also, the distribution server 200 is a server that mediates the transmission and reception of various information between the viewing terminal 100 and the distribution terminal 300.

[0016] The viewing terminal 100 is a device that receives and plays back content in real time, that is, streams and plays back the content. The viewing terminal 100 is realized by, for example, a PC or a smartphone. The viewing terminal 100 receives the content from the distribution server 200 and streams and plays it back according to the input operation by the user of the viewing terminal 100. Hereinafter, the user of the viewing terminal 100 is referred to as the "viewer".

[0017] (Transmission and reception of information between the distribution system 2 and the viewing terminal 100) The viewing terminal 100 can not only play back the content, but also transmit the information specified or input by the input operation of the viewer to the distribution terminal 300 via the distribution server 200.

[0018] For example, the viewing terminal 100 receives the first input operation of the viewer. The first input operation is an input operation for causing an effect of assisting the distributor in the game. Hereinafter, the effect of assisting the distributor in the game is referred to as the "assistance effect". Also, assisting the distributor in the game is also referred to as "distributor assistance".

[0019] The specific content of the support effect is not particularly limited. For example, when the game is an action game, the support effect may be an effect of restoring the physical strength value of the character operated by the distributor. Also, for example, when the game is a sports game, the support effect may be a field effect that makes the character or team operated by the distributor advantageous in the game. Also, for example, when the game is a gun shooting game, the support effect may be an effect of reloading the gun of the distributor or the character operated by the distributor. Also, for example, when the game is a game that allows a player to acquire a predetermined character or item by lottery or the like, the support effect may be an effect of granting the player, that is, the distributor, the right to conduct the lottery.

[0020] When the viewing terminal 100 receives the first input operation, it transmits input information corresponding to the input operation to the distribution system 2. The details of the input information will be described later. Note that the viewing terminal 100 may transmit the input information to the distribution server 200 in exchange for the consumption of valuable data held by the viewer or a specific item. That is, the viewing terminal 100 may be configured such that it cannot support the distributor unless the viewer consumes valuable data or a specific item.

[0021] When the distribution server 200 receives the input information, it transmits a support instruction to the game system 3. The support instruction is an instruction for causing a support effect.

[0022] Note that the distribution server 200 may collect various information related to the live distribution from one or more viewing terminals 100 and transmit the various information to the distribution terminal 300. For example, the distribution server 200 may total the number of viewing terminals 100 that are currently streaming and playing the content, that is, the current number of viewers, and transmit it to the distribution terminal 300. Also, the distribution server 200 may total the cumulative number of viewers since the start of the content distribution and transmit it to the distribution terminal 300. Also, the distribution server 200 may identify the viewing terminal 100 that transmitted the input information described above and transmit information indicating the viewing terminal 100 to the distribution terminal 300.

[0023] (Game System 3) The game system 3 is a system for providing games. The game system 3 includes one or more game terminals 400 and one or more game servers 500. In this embodiment, the game terminal 400 and the game server 500 each store a game program, and realize a game by executing the game program.

[0024] For example, the game terminal 400 and the game server 500 may realize an online game in which a plurality of game terminals 400 participate in the game simultaneously. Also, for example, the game terminal 400 and the game server 500 may realize a game executed on a browser launched on the game terminal 400.

[0025] The game server 500 is a server that realizes a game in cooperation with the game terminal 400. The game server 500, for example, transmits and receives data related to the game such as user information and game information to and from the game terminal 400, and performs synchronization processing between a plurality of game terminals 400. User information and game information will be described later. Also, when the game server 500 receives a support instruction from the distribution terminal 300, it transmits the support instruction to the game terminal 400. That is, the game server 500 mediates the transmission of instructions between the distribution terminal 300 and the game terminal 400.

[0026] Note that the game server 500 may execute processes for starting a game on the game terminal 400, such as login processing, without directly participating in the progress of the game. Also, the game server 500 may execute processes for mediating between a plurality of game terminals 400 without directly participating in the progress of the game. Then, a game may be realized by the cooperation of the plurality of game terminals 400. Further, the game server 500 may return a response indicating that the received support instruction has been executed to the distribution server 200 at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is, for example, the timing when the support instruction is received from the distribution terminal 300, the timing when the support instruction is transmitted to the game terminal 400, or the timing when the support effect by the support instruction is activated in the game server 500.

[0027] The game terminal 400 is a terminal device for playing a game and is a device actually operated by the distributor. The game terminal 400 is realized by, for example, a PC, or a housing and a controller of a consumer game. The game terminal 400 communicates with the distribution terminal 300 by wire or wirelessly. Specifically, the game terminal 400 transmits an image of the created game screen to the distribution terminal 300. Thereby, the distribution terminal 300 can acquire a play screen indicating the execution status of the game on the game terminal 400 and include it in the content.

[0028] Note that the game terminal 400 may receive various instructions such as an instruction to transmit a game screen from the distribution terminal 300. Also, the game terminal 400 may receive information indicating an input operation made via an input device or the like of the distribution terminal 300 from the distribution terminal 300 and advance the game based on the information. In other words, it may be possible for the distributor to remotely operate the game terminal 400 via the distribution terminal 300.

[0029] When the game terminal 400 receives a support instruction from the distribution server 200 via the game server 500, it causes a support effect in the game being executed according to the support instruction. That is, as a reaction to the first input operation made on the viewing terminal 100, a support effect occurs in the game being executed by the game terminal 400.

[0030] Here, as shown in the figure, the viewing terminal 100 and the game terminal 400 are not directly connected. Also, the viewing terminal 100 is a terminal for viewing content as described above and is not directly involved in the execution of the game. In other words, the viewer is not playing the game with the distributor using the viewing terminal 100.

[0031] As described above, according to the support system 1 according to this embodiment, it is possible to support the play of the distributor's game according to the first input operation on the viewing terminal 100 by a viewer who is not playing the game with the distributor. That is, the viewer can intervene in the progress of the game included in the content just by watching the live distribution and making the first input operation. Therefore, the interestingness of the content can be improved.

[0032] In this embodiment, an example where the distribution server 200 and the distribution terminal 300 are separate devices will be described. However, the distribution server 200 and the distribution terminal 300 may be an integrated device. For example, one PC may have the functions of both the distribution server 200 and the distribution terminal 300.

[0033] In this embodiment, an example where the game terminal 400 and the game server 500 are separate devices will be described. However, the game terminal 400 and the game server 500 may be an integrated device. For example, one PC may have the functions of both the game terminal 400 and the game server 500.

[0034] In this embodiment, an example in which the distribution terminal 300 and the game terminal 400 are separate devices will be described. However, the distribution terminal 300 and the game terminal 400 may be an integrated device. For example, one PC may have both the function of the distribution terminal 300 and the function of the game terminal 400.

[0035] In this embodiment, an example in which the distribution server 200 and the game server 500 are separate devices will be described. However, the distribution server 200 and the game server 500 may be an integrated device. For example, one server may have both the function of the distribution server 200 and the function of the game server 500.

[0036] <Hardware Configuration of Support System 1> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the support system 1. As shown in the figure, the support system 1 includes a distribution server 200, a game server 500, a plurality of viewing terminals 100, a distribution terminal 300, and a game terminal 400. The viewing terminal 100, the distribution terminal 300, and the game server 500 are connected to the distribution server 200 via the network 4. Note that the game terminal 400 may also be connected to the distribution server 200 via the network 4. The game terminal 400 is connected to the game server 500 via the network 4. Note that the game terminal 400 may be connected to the distribution terminal 300 via the network 4.

[0037] (Network 4) The network 4 is composed of the Internet and various mobile communication systems constructed by wireless base stations (not shown). Examples of this mobile communication system include so-called 3G and 4G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), and a wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) that can be connected to the Internet by a predetermined access point.

[0038] (Distribution Server 200) The distribution server 200 (computer, information processing device) may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer. The distribution server 200 includes a processor 20, a memory 21, a storage 22, a communication IF 23, and an input / output IF 24. These components included in the distribution server 200 are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus.

[0039] (Game server 500) The game server 500 (computer, information processing device) may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer. The game server 500 includes a processor 50, a memory 51, a storage 52, a communication IF 53, and an input / output IF 54. These components included in the game server 500 are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus.

[0040] (Viewing terminal 100) The viewing terminal 100 (computer, information processing device) may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a feature phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a tablet computer. The viewing terminal 100 may also be a playback device suitable for playing content. As shown in the figure, the viewing terminal 100 includes a processor 10, a memory 11, a storage 12, a communication interface (IF) 13, an input / output IF 14, and a touch screen 15 (display unit). These components included in the viewing terminal 100 are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus. Note that the viewing terminal 100 may be provided with an input / output IF 14 that can connect a display (display unit) configured separately from the viewing terminal 100 body instead of or in addition to the touch screen 15.

[0041] Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the viewing terminal 100 may be configured to be communicable with one or more controllers 1020. The controller 1020 establishes communication with the viewing terminal 100, for example, in accordance with a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The controller 1020 may have one or more buttons or the like, and transmit an output value based on a user's input operation on the buttons or the like to the viewing terminal 100. Further, the controller 1020 may have various sensors such as an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor, and transmit the output values of the various sensors to the viewing terminal 100.

[0042] Further, the controller 1020 may be configured to be detachable from the viewing terminal 100. In this case, a coupling portion with the controller 1020 may be provided on at least one surface of the housing of the viewing terminal 100. When the viewing terminal 100 and the controller 1020 are coupled by wire via the coupling portion, the viewing terminal 100 and the controller 1020 transmit and receive signals via the wire.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, the viewing terminal 100 may accept the attachment of a storage medium 1030 such as an external memory card via the input / output IF 14. Thereby, the viewing terminal 100 can read programs and data recorded on the storage medium 1030. The program recorded on the storage medium 1030 is, for example, a viewing program.

[0044] The viewing terminal 100 may store a viewing program acquired by communicating with an external device such as a distribution server 200 in the memory 11 of the viewing terminal 100, or may store a viewing program acquired by reading from the storage medium 1030 in the memory 11.

[0045] As described above, the viewing terminal 100 includes a communication IF 13, an input / output IF 14, and a touch screen 15 as an example of a mechanism for inputting information to the viewing terminal 100. Each of the above-described units as an input mechanism can be regarded as an operation unit configured to receive a user's input operation.

[0046] For example, when the operation unit is constituted by the touch screen 15, the viewing terminal 100 identifies and accepts a user operation performed on the input unit 151 of the touch screen 15 as a user input operation. Alternatively, when the operation unit is constituted by the communication IF 13, the viewing terminal 100 identifies and accepts a signal (e.g., an output value) transmitted from the controller 1020 as a user input operation. Alternatively, when the operation unit is constituted by the input / output IF 14, the viewing terminal 100 identifies and accepts a signal output from an input device (not shown) different from the controller 1020 connected to the input / output IF 14 as a user input operation.

[0047] (Distribution terminal 300) The distribution terminal 300 (computer, information processing device) may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a tablet computer. Further, the distribution terminal 300 may be a server, a desktop personal computer, a notebook personal computer, or a computer such as a tablet, and a group of computers combined thereof.

[0048] The distribution terminal 300 may be a group of devices in which a display device, an input device, and an information processing device are connected so as to be suitable for live distribution. As shown in the figure, the distribution terminal 300 includes a processor 30, a memory 31, a storage 32, a communication interface (IF) 33, an input / output IF 34, and a touch screen 35 (display unit). These components included in the distribution terminal 300 are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus. Note that the distribution terminal 300 may include an input / output IF 34 capable of connecting a display (display unit) configured separately from the distribution terminal 300 main body instead of or in addition to the touch screen 35.

[0049] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the distribution terminal 300 may be configured to be communicable with peripheral devices such as one or more microphones 3010, one or more motion capture devices 3020, and one or more controllers 3030 via wireless or wired connections. The peripheral devices connected wirelessly establish communication with the distribution terminal 300 according to a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). Also, the device group including these peripheral devices may be regarded as a set of distribution terminals 300.

[0050] The microphone 3010 acquires the surrounding voice and converts it into an electrical signal. The voice converted into an electrical signal is transmitted to the distribution terminal 300 as voice data and received by the distribution terminal 300 via the communication IF 33.

[0051] The motion capture device 3020 tracks the motion of a tracking target (e.g., a person), including facial expressions, mouth movements, etc., and transmits the output value as the tracking result to the distribution terminal 300. The motion data, which is the output value, is received by the distribution terminal 300 via the communication IF 33. The motion capture method of the motion capture device 3020 is not particularly limited. The motion capture device 3020 selectively includes various mechanisms for capturing motion, such as cameras, various sensors, markers, suits worn by models (persons), and signal transmitters, according to the adopted method.

[0052] The controller 3030 may have physical input mechanisms such as one or more buttons, levers, sticks, wheels, etc. The controller 3030 transmits an output value based on an input operation input by an operator of the distribution terminal 300 to the input mechanism to the distribution terminal 300. Further, the controller 3030 may have various sensors such as an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor, and may transmit the output values of the various sensors to the distribution terminal 300. The above output value is received by the distribution terminal 300 via the communication IF 33. In the following, a person who performs some input operation on the distribution terminal 300 using an operation unit provided in the distribution terminal 300 or various input mechanisms communicably connected to the distribution terminal 300 is referred to as an operator. The operator includes a person who operates the distribution terminal 300 using the input unit 351, the controller 3030, etc., a voice actor who inputs voice via the microphone 3010, and a model who inputs movement via the motion capture device 3020.

[0053] The distribution terminal 300 may include a camera and a distance measuring sensor (not shown). Instead of or in addition to being provided in the distribution terminal 300, the motion capture device 3020 and the controller 3030 may have a camera and a distance measuring sensor.

[0054] As described above, the distribution terminal 300 includes a communication IF 33, an input / output IF 34, and a touch screen 35 as an example of a mechanism for inputting information to the distribution terminal 300. If necessary, it may further include a camera and a distance measuring sensor. Each of the above-described parts as an input mechanism can be regarded as an operation unit configured to receive a user's input operation.

[0055] The operation unit may be constituted by the touch screen 35. In this case, the distribution terminal 300 specifies and accepts the user operation performed on the input unit 351 of the touch screen 35 as the user input operation. Alternatively, when the operation unit is constituted by the communication IF 33, the distribution terminal 300 specifies and accepts the signal (for example, output value) transmitted from the controller 3030 as the user input operation. Alternatively, when the operation unit is constituted by the input / output IF 34, the distribution terminal 300 specifies and accepts the signal output from an input device (not shown) different from the controller 3030 connected to the input / output IF 34 as the user input operation.

[0056] (Game terminal 400) The game terminal 400 (computer, information processing device) may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, feature phone, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or tablet computer. The game terminal 400 may be a game device suitable for game play. As shown in the figure, the game terminal 400 includes a processor 40, a memory 41, a storage 42, a communication interface (IF) 43, an input / output IF 44, a touch screen 45 (display unit), a camera 47, and a distance measurement sensor 48. These components included in the game terminal 400 are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus. Note that the game terminal 400 may include an input / output IF 14 that can connect a display (display unit) configured separately from the game terminal 400 main body instead of or in addition to the touch screen 15.

[0057] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the game terminal 400 may be configured to be communicable with one or more controllers 4020. The controller 4020 establishes communication with the game terminal 400 in accordance with a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), for example. The controller 4020 may have one or more buttons or the like, and transmits an output value based on a user's input operation on the buttons or the like to the game terminal 400. Further, the controller 4020 may have various sensors such as an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor, and transmits the output values of the various sensors to the game terminal 400.

[0058] Note that instead of or in addition to the game terminal 400 including the camera 47 and the distance measurement sensor 48, the controller 4020 may have the camera 47 and the distance measurement sensor 48.

[0059] For example, at the start of the game, it is desirable for the game terminal 400 to cause the user who uses the controller 4020 to input user identification information such as the user's name or login ID via the controller 4020. Thereby, the game terminal 400 can associate the controller 4020 with the user, and can identify which user the output value belongs to based on the transmission source (controller 4020) of the received output value.

[0060] When the game terminal 400 communicates with a plurality of controllers 4020, each user grips each controller 4020, so that multiplayer can be realized on the single game terminal 400 without communicating with other devices such as the game server 500 via the network 4. Further, when each game terminal 400 communicates with each other according to a wireless standard such as the wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standard (communicates without going through the game server 500), local multiplayer can also be realized by a plurality of game terminals 400. When realizing the above-described multiplayer locally by a single game terminal 400, the game terminal 400 may further include at least a part of various functions described later provided in the game server 500. Further, when realizing the above-described multiplayer locally by a plurality of game terminals 400, the plurality of game terminals 400 may include the various functions described later provided in the game server 500 in a distributed manner.

[0061] Note that even when realizing the above-described multiplayer locally, the game terminal 400 may communicate with the game server 500. For example, information indicating a play result such as a score or a win / loss in a certain game and user identification information may be associated and transmitted to the game server 500.

[0062] Further, the controller 4020 may be configured to be detachable from the game terminal 400. In this case, a coupling portion with the controller 4020 may be provided on at least one surface of the housing of the game terminal 400. When the game terminal 400 and the controller 4020 are coupled by wire via the coupling portion, the game terminal 400 and the controller 4020 transmit and receive signals via the wire.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 2, the game terminal 400 may accept the attachment of a storage medium 4030 such as an external memory card via the input / output IF 44. Thereby, the game terminal 400 can read the program and data recorded in the storage medium 4030. The program recorded in the storage medium 4030 is, for example, a game program.

[0064] The game terminal 400 may store in the memory 41 of the game terminal 400 a game program obtained by communicating with an external device such as the game server 500, or may store in the memory 41 a game program obtained by reading from the storage medium 4030.

[0065] As described above, the game terminal 400 includes, as an example of a mechanism for inputting information to the game terminal 400, a communication IF 43, an input / output IF 44, a touch screen 45, a camera 47, and a distance measuring sensor 48. Each of the above-described parts as an input mechanism can be regarded as an operation part configured to receive a user's input operation.

[0066] For example, when the operation part is constituted by at least one of the camera 47 and the distance measuring sensor 48, the operation part detects an object 4010 near the game terminal 400, and specifies an input operation from the detection result of the object. As an example, a user's hand as the object 4010, a marker having a predetermined shape, etc. are detected, and an input operation is specified based on the color, shape, movement, or type of the object 4010 obtained as the detection result. More specifically, when a user's hand is detected from the captured image of the camera 47, the game terminal 400 specifies and accepts, as a user's input operation, a gesture (a series of movements of the user's hand) detected based on the captured image. Note that the captured image may be a still image or a moving image.

[0067] Alternatively, when the operation unit is constituted by the touch screen 45, the game terminal 400 identifies and accepts the user operation performed on the input unit 451 of the touch screen 45 as the user input operation. Alternatively, when the operation unit is constituted by the communication IF43, the game terminal 400 identifies and accepts the signal (e.g., output value) transmitted from the controller 4020 as the user input operation. Alternatively, when the operation unit is constituted by the input / output IF44, the game terminal 400 identifies and accepts the signal output from an input device (not shown) different from the controller 4020 connected to the input / output IF44 as the user input operation.

[0068] <Hardware Component of Each Device> The processor 10 controls the operation of the entire viewing terminal 100. The processor 20 controls the operation of the entire distribution server 200. The processor 30 controls the operation of the entire distribution terminal 300. The processor 40 controls the operation of the entire game terminal 400. The processor 50 controls the operation of the entire game server 500. The processors 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0069] The processor 10 reads a program from the storage 12 described later and expands it in the memory 11 described later. The processor 20 reads a program from the storage 22 described later and expands it in the memory 21 described later. The processor 30 reads a program from the storage 32 described later and expands it in the memory 31 described later. The processor 40 reads a program from the storage 42 described later and expands it in the memory 41 described later. The processor 50 reads a program from the storage 52 described later and expands it in the memory 51 described later. The processors 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 execute the expanded program.

[0070] Memories 11, 21, 31, 41, and 51 are main memory devices. Memories 11, 21, 31, 41, and 51 are composed of storage devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). Memory 11 provides a working area for processor 10 by temporarily storing the programs and various data read by processor 10 from storage 12 described later. Memory 11 also temporarily stores various data generated while processor 10 is operating according to the program. Memory 21 provides a working area for processor 20 by temporarily storing the various programs and data read by processor 20 from storage 22 described later. Memory 21 also temporarily stores various data generated while processor 20 is operating according to the program. Memory 31 provides a working area for processor 30 by temporarily storing the various programs and data read by processor 30 from storage 32 described later. Memory 31 also temporarily stores various data generated while processor 30 is operating according to the program. Memory 41 provides a working area for processor 40 by temporarily storing the programs and various data read by processor 40 from storage 42 described later. Memory 41 also temporarily stores various data generated while processor 40 is operating according to the program. Memory 51 provides a working area for processor 50 by temporarily storing the programs and various data read by processor 50 from storage 52 described later. Memory 51 also temporarily stores various data generated while processor 50 is operating according to the program.

[0071] In this embodiment, the program executed by the processor 30 may be a distribution program for realizing the live distribution of content. In this embodiment, the program executed by the processor 10 may be a viewing program for realizing the function of streaming playback of content and the function of assisting the play of the game of the distributor from the viewing terminal 100. Hereinafter, the function of assisting the play of the game of the distributor is simply referred to as the "assistance function".

[0072] In this embodiment, the program executed by the processor 20 may be the above-described distribution program or the above-described viewing program. The processor 20 executes either or both of the distribution program and the viewing program in response to a request from the viewing terminal 100 or the distribution terminal 300. Note that the distribution program and the viewing program may be executed in parallel.

[0073] That is, the distribution program may be a distribution program for realizing live distribution through the cooperation of the distribution server 200 and the distribution terminal 300. Also, the viewing program may be a viewing program for realizing the streaming playback function and the assistance function through the cooperation of the viewing terminal 100 and the distribution server 200.

[0074] In this embodiment, the programs executed by the processors 40 and 50 may be game programs for realizing the game by the game terminal 400. Alternatively, the program may be a game program for realizing the game through the cooperation of the game terminal 400 and the game server 500. As an example, the game realized through the cooperation of the game terminal 400 and the game server 500 may be a game executed on a browser launched on the game terminal 400.

[0075] Alternatively, the program may be a game program for realizing the game through cooperation of a plurality of game terminals 400. Also, the various data includes data related to the game such as user information and game information, as well as instructions or notifications transmitted and received between the devices of the game system 3.

[0076] Storages 12, 22, 32, 42, and 52 are auxiliary storage devices. Storages 12, 22, 32, 42, and 52 are composed of storage devices such as flash memories or HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). Various data related to the game is stored in storages 12, 22, 32, 42, and 52.

[0077] Communication IF 13 controls transmission and reception of various data in the viewing terminal 100. Communication IF 23 controls transmission and reception of various data in the distribution server 200. Communication IF 33 controls transmission and reception of various data in the distribution terminal 300. Communication IF 43 controls transmission and reception of various data in the game terminal 400. Communication IF 53 controls transmission and reception of various data in the game server 500. Communication IFs 13, 23, 33, 43, and 53 control communication using, for example, communication via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or Internet communication via a mobile phone line network, as well as short-range wireless communication.

[0078] The input / output IF14 of the viewing terminal 100 is an interface for the viewing terminal 100 to receive data input and also an interface for the viewing terminal 100 to output data. The input / output IF14 may perform data input / output via USB (Universal Serial Bus) or the like. The input / output IF14 may include, for example, physical buttons, a camera, a microphone, or a speaker of the viewing terminal 100. The input / output IF24 of the distribution server 200 is an interface for the distribution server 200 to receive data input and also an interface for the distribution server 200 to output data. The input / output IF24 may include, for example, an input unit that is an information input device such as a mouse or a keyboard, and a display unit that is a device for displaying and outputting images. The input / output IF34 of the distribution terminal 300 is an interface for the distribution terminal 300 to receive data input and also an interface for the distribution terminal 300 to output data. The input / output IF34 may include, for example, information input devices such as a mouse, a keyboard, a stick, and a lever, a device for displaying and outputting images such as a liquid crystal display, and a connection unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from peripheral devices (microphone 3010, motion capture device 3020, and controller 3030).

[0079] The input / output IF44 of the game terminal 400 is an interface for the game terminal 400 to receive data input and also an interface for the game terminal 400 to output data. The input / output IF44 may perform data input / output via USB (Universal Serial Bus) or the like. The input / output IF44 may include, for example, physical buttons of the viewing terminal 100, a camera, a microphone, or a speaker or the like.

[0080] The input / output IF54 of the game server 500 is an interface for the game server 500 to receive data input and also an interface for the game server 500 to output data. The input / output IF54 may include, for example, an input unit that is an information input device such as a mouse or a keyboard, and a display unit that is a device for displaying and outputting images.

[0081] The touch screen 15 of the viewing terminal 100 is an electronic component that combines an input unit 151 and a display unit 152. The touch screen 35 of the distribution terminal 300 is an electronic component that combines an input unit 351 and a display unit 352. The touch screen 45 of the game terminal 400 is an electronic component that combines an input unit 451 and a display unit 452. The input units 151, 351, and 451 are, for example, touch-sensitive devices and are constituted by, for example, a touch pad. The display units 152, 352, and 452 are constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0082] The input units 151, 351, and 451 have a function of detecting the position where a user's operation (mainly physical contact operations such as touch operations, slide operations, swipe operations, and tap operations) is input with respect to the input surface and transmitting information indicating the position as an input signal. The input units 151, 351, and 451 only need to be provided with a touch sensing unit (not shown). The touch sensing unit may adopt any method such as a capacitance method or a resistive film method.

[0083] Although not shown, the viewing terminal 100 and the game terminal 400 may include one or more sensors for identifying the holding postures of the viewing terminal 100 and the game terminal 400. Such sensors may be, for example, acceleration sensors or angular velocity sensors. When the viewing terminal 100 or the game terminal 400 is equipped with a sensor, the processor 10 or the processor 40 can identify the holding posture of the viewing terminal 100 or the game terminal 400 from the output of the sensor and perform processing according to the holding posture. For example, when the viewing terminal 100 or the game terminal 400 is held vertically, the processor 10 or the processor 40 may perform vertical screen display to display a vertically long image on the display unit 152 or 452. On the other hand, when the viewing terminal 100 or the game terminal 400 is held horizontally, the processor 10 or the processor 40 may perform horizontal screen display to display a horizontally long image on the display unit. In this way, the processor 10 or the processor 40 may be able to switch between vertical screen display and horizontal screen display according to the holding posture of the viewing terminal 100 or the game terminal 400.

[0084] The camera 47 includes an image sensor or the like, and generates a captured image by converting incident light incident from a lens into an electrical signal.

[0085] The distance measuring sensor 48 is a sensor that measures the distance to a measurement object. The distance measuring sensor 48 includes, for example, a light source that emits pulse-converted light and a light receiving element that receives the light. The distance measuring sensor 48 measures the distance to the measurement object based on the light emission timing from the light source and the light reception timing of the reflected light generated when the light emitted from the light source hits the measurement object. The distance measuring sensor 48 may have a light source that emits directional light.

[0086] <Functional Configuration of Support System 1> FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configurations of the viewing terminal 100, the distribution server 200, the distribution terminal 300, the game terminal 400, and the game server 500 included in the support system 1. Each of the viewing terminal 100, the distribution server 200, the distribution terminal 300, the game terminal 400, and the game server 500 may include a functional configuration necessary when functioning as a general computer (not shown) and a functional configuration necessary for realizing known functions in games.

[0087] The viewing terminal 100 has a function as an input device that receives a user's input operation and a function as an output device that outputs game images and sounds. The viewing terminal 100 functions as a control unit 110 and a storage unit 120 by the cooperation of a processor 10, a memory 11, a storage 12, a communication IF 13, an input / output IF 14, etc.

[0088] The distribution server 200 has a function of communicating with the distribution terminal 300 and the viewing terminal 100 to support the distribution terminal 300 in live-distributing content to the viewing terminal 100. The distribution server 200 functions as a control unit 210 and a storage unit 220 by the cooperation of a processor 20, a memory 21, a storage 22, a communication IF 23, an input / output IF 24, etc.

[0089] The distribution terminal 300 has a function of creating content and live-distributing the content to the viewing terminal 100 via the distribution server 200. The distribution terminal 300 functions as a control unit 310 and a storage unit 320 by the cooperation of a processor 30, a memory 31, a storage 32, a communication IF 33, an input / output IF 34, etc.

[0090] The game terminal 400 has a function as an input device that receives a user's input operation and a function as an output device that outputs game images and sounds. The game terminal 400 functions as a control unit 410 and a storage unit 420 by the cooperation of a processor 40, a memory 41, a storage 42, a communication IF 43, an input / output IF 44, etc.

[0091] The game server 500 communicates with the game terminal 400 and has a function to assist the game terminal 400 in advancing the game. Further, the game server 500 has a function to mediate between the distribution server 200 and the game terminal 400. The game server 500 functions as a control unit 510 and a storage unit 520 through the cooperation of a processor 50, a memory 51, a storage 52, a communication IF 53, an input / output IF 54, etc.

[0092] (Data stored in the storage unit of each device) The storage unit 120 stores the viewing program 131 and the viewer information 132 of the viewer corresponding to the viewing terminal 100. The storage unit 320 stores the distribution program 331 and the distributor information 332 of the distributor corresponding to the distribution terminal 300. The storage unit 220 stores the viewing program 131, the viewer information 132, the distribution program 331, and the distributor information 332. The storage unit 220 collectively stores the distributor information 332 collected from each distribution terminal 300. The storage unit 220 collectively stores the viewer information 132 collected from each viewing terminal 100.

[0093] The viewing program 131 is a program executed by the viewing terminal 100 and the distribution server 200. On the other hand, the distribution program 231 is a program executed by the distribution terminal 300 and the distribution server 200.

[0094] Note that the execution of the viewing program 131 and the distribution program 331 by the distribution server 200 is not essential. For example, when the viewing terminal 100 can realize the content streaming playback function and the support function by executing the viewing program 131 alone, the distribution server 200 does not have to execute the viewing program 131. Also, for example, when the distribution terminal 300 can realize live distribution by executing the distribution program 331 alone, the distribution server 200 does not have to execute the distribution program 331.

[0095] The viewer information 132 is data that the control unit 110 refers to when executing the viewing program 131. The viewer information 132 is data managed for each viewer. For example, the viewer information 132 may include information indicating the name of the viewer, that is, the name of the account of the viewer corresponding to the viewing terminal 100, the amount of valuable data held by the account, or the quantity of a specific item held by the account. Further, the viewer information 132 may include the viewing history of content, the history of sending and receiving messages, and the input history of the first input operation in the account of the viewer corresponding to the viewing terminal 100. Further, the viewer information 132 may include the purchase history of valuable data, the purchase or acquisition history of a specific item.

[0096] The distributor information 332 is data that the control unit 210 refers to when executing the distribution program 231. The distributor information 332 is data managed for each distributor. For example, the distributor information 332 may include information indicating the name of the account of the distributor corresponding to the distribution terminal 300. Further, the distributor information 332 may include the distribution history of content, the number of reproductions of the distributed content, and various information related to the distributed content, and the history of sending and receiving messages in the account of the distributor corresponding to the distribution terminal 300.

[0097] The storage unit 420 and the storage unit 520 store the game program 431, the game information 432, and the user information 433. The storage unit 420 stores the user information 433 of the user corresponding to the game terminal 400. On the other hand, the storage unit 520 stores the user information 433 collected from each game terminal 400 in a unified manner.

[0098] The game program 431 is a game program executed by the game terminal 400 and the game server 500. The game information 432 is data that the control unit 410 and the control unit 510 refer to when executing the game program 431. The user information 433 is data managed for each user account.

[0099] (Functional Configuration of Distribution Server 200) The control unit 210 comprehensively controls the distribution server 200 by executing the distribution program 231 stored in the storage unit 220. For example, the control unit 210 receives content from the distribution terminal 300 in real time and live-distributes the content to the viewing terminal 100. The control unit 210 communicates with the viewing terminal 100 and the distribution terminal 300 as necessary to transmit and receive various types of information.

[0100] The control unit 210 functions as a transmission / reception unit 211, a server processing unit 212, and a data management unit 213 according to the description of the distribution program 231. The control unit 210 can also function as other functional blocks (not shown) to support the live distribution of content from the distribution terminal 300, as well as the streaming playback and distributor support of the content by the viewing terminal 100.

[0101] The transmission / reception unit 211 receives various types of data and requests from the distribution terminal 300. For example, the transmission / reception unit 211 receives part or all of the distributor information 332 from the distribution terminal 300. The transmission / reception unit 211 transmits various types of data and requests to the distribution terminal 300.

[0102] In addition, the transmission / reception unit 211 receives various types of data and requests from the viewing terminal 100. For example, the transmission / reception unit 211 receives a request for live distribution from the viewing terminal 100. The transmission / reception unit 211 transmits various types of information to the viewing terminal 100. For example, the transmission / reception unit 211 live-distributes content to the viewing terminal 100.

[0103] The server processing unit 212 performs the arithmetic processing necessary for the live distribution and streaming playback of content, as well as distributor support. The server processing unit 212 instructs the transmission / reception unit 211 to transmit various types of data. The server processing unit 212 instructs the data management unit 213 to add, update, or delete various types of information.

[0104] The data management unit 213 manages the data stored in the storage unit 220. The data management unit 213 executes addition, update, or deletion of various information included in the distributor information 132 and the viewer information 132 in response to an instruction from the server processing unit 212. The data management unit 213 may read at least one of the distributor information 132 and the viewer information 132 from the storage unit 220 according to an instruction from the server processing unit 212.

[0105] (Functional configuration of the viewing terminal 100) The control unit 110 comprehensively controls the viewing terminal 100 by executing the viewing program 131 stored in the storage unit 120. For example, the control unit 110 executes streaming playback of content according to the viewing program 131 and the user's operation. Also, during the playback of the content, the control unit 110 communicates with the distribution server 200 as needed to transmit and receive information.

[0106] The control unit 110 functions as an operation reception unit 111, a playback unit 112, a display control unit 113, a communication unit 114, and a support instruction unit 115 according to the description of the viewing program 131. The control unit 110 can also function as other functional blocks (not shown) to realize streaming playback and distributor support.

[0107] The operation reception unit 111 detects and accepts the user's input operation on the input unit 151. The operation reception unit 111 determines what input operation has been performed from the actions exerted by the user on the console via the touch screen 15 and other input / output IFs 14, and outputs the result to each element of the control unit 110.

[0108] For example, the operation reception unit 111 receives an input operation on the input unit 151, detects the coordinates of the input position of the input operation, and identifies the type of the input operation. The operation reception unit 111 identifies, as the type of the input operation, for example, a touch operation, a slide operation, a swipe operation, a tap operation, and the like. Further, when the input that has been continuously detected is interrupted, the operation reception unit 111 detects that the contact input has been released from the touch screen 15.

[0109] The playback unit 112 performs streaming playback. The playback unit 112 plays back the content received from the distribution server 200 via the communication unit 114.

[0110] The display control unit 113 causes the display unit 152 to display the content that the playback unit 112 streams. Note that the display control unit 113 may control and draw 2D or 3D game objects (UI objects) for constructing a UI (user interface). For example, the display control unit 113 may display UI objects necessary for various operations for viewing content and assisting a distributor, superimposed on the content or on the screen of the display unit 152 together with the content. The UI object is, for example, an icon, a button, a list, a menu screen, or the like. The UI object is a tool for a viewer to perform on the viewing terminal 100 in viewing content and assisting a distributor. Further, the UI object is a tool for notifying a viewer of various information from the viewing terminal 100 during playback of content on the viewing terminal 100.

[0111] The communication unit 114 transmits various data and requests to the distribution server 200. For example, the communication unit 114 transmits a request for content distribution and part or all of the viewer information 132 to the distribution server 200. The communication unit 114 receives various information related to live distribution from the distribution server 200. For example, the communication unit 114 receives content from the distribution server 200 and part or all of the distributor information 332.

[0112] When the operation reception unit 111 receives the first input operation, the support instruction unit 115 creates input information corresponding to the first input operation and transmits it to the distribution server 200. Details of the input information will be described later. The support instruction unit 115 may create and transmit the input information in exchange for the consumption of valuable data or specific items. Thereby, since a limit can be set on the number of times of viewer support for the distributor, the viewer can be made to consider the timing and number of times of distributor support. Therefore, the interestingness of the content is improved.

[0113] (Functional Configuration of Distribution Terminal 300) The control unit 310 comprehensively controls the distribution terminal 300 by executing the distribution program 331 stored in the storage unit 320. For example, the control unit 310 creates content according to the distribution program 331 and the operations of the distributor and supplies it to the viewing terminal 100 via the distribution server 200. The control unit 310 communicates with the distribution server 200 and the game terminal 400 to transmit and receive information.

[0114] The control unit 310 functions as an operation reception unit 311, a distribution unit 312, a display control unit 313, and a communication unit 314 according to the description of the distribution program 331. The control unit 310 can also function as other functional blocks (not shown) according to the nature of the content distributed in the distribution system 2.

[0115] The operation reception unit 311 detects and receives an operator's input operation on the input unit 351. The operation reception unit 311 determines what input operation has been performed from the actions exerted by the operator on the touch screen 35 and other input / output IFs 34, and outputs the result to each element of the control unit 310. Details of the function of the operation reception unit 311 are substantially the same as those of the operation reception unit 111 in the viewing terminal 100.

[0116] The distribution unit 312 executes various processes related to the distribution of content. The distribution unit 312 includes a distribution screen creation unit 312A, a content creation unit 312B, and a notification unit 312C.

[0117] The distribution screen creation unit 312A creates a screen for the distributor to assist the distributor in operating content creation. Hereinafter, the screen for the distributor is also referred to as the distribution screen. The configuration of the distribution screen is not particularly limited. For example, the distribution screen creation unit 312A creates a distribution screen that can list various components included in content such as an avatar, a game screen, and display of various parameters. The distribution screen created by the distribution screen creation unit 312A is displayed on the touch screen 35 via the display control unit 313.

[0118] The content creation unit 312B creates content for live distribution. The specific method of content creation by the content creation unit 312B will be described later.

[0119] The notification unit 312C creates and outputs various notifications for the distributor. For example, the notification unit 312C notifies the distributor that distributor support has been provided.

[0120] The display control unit 313 outputs a display screen on which the processing results executed by the above-described respective elements are reflected to the display unit 352 of the touch screen 35. The details of the function of the display control unit 313 are substantially the same as those of the display control unit 113 in the viewing terminal 100. For example, the display control unit 313 may display UI objects necessary for various operations for live distribution on the screen of the display unit 352 by overlapping with the content or together with the content.

[0121] The communication unit 314 transmits various data and requests to the distribution server 200. For example, the communication unit 314 transmits content and part or all of the distributor information 332 to the distribution server 200. The communication unit 314 receives various information related to live distribution from the distribution server 200. For example, the communication unit 314 receives part or all of the viewer information 132 from the distribution server 200. Further, the communication unit 314 performs communication between the distribution terminal 300 and the game terminal 400. For example, the communication unit 314 receives an image of the game screen from the game terminal 400 in real time.

[0122] (Functional Configuration of Game Terminal 400) The control unit 410 comprehensively controls the game terminal 400 by executing the game program 431 stored in the storage unit 420. For example, the control unit 410 advances the game according to the game program 431 and the user's operations. Also, while the game is in progress, the control unit 410 communicates with the game server 500 as necessary to transmit and receive information.

[0123] The control unit 410 functions as an operation reception unit 411, a game progress unit 412, a display control unit 413, and a communication unit 414 according to the description of the game program 431. The control unit 410 can also function as other functional blocks (not shown) to advance the game according to the nature of the game being executed.

[0124] The operation reception unit 411 detects and accepts the user's input operations on the input unit 451. The operation reception unit 411 determines what input operation has been made from the actions exerted by the user on the console via the touch screen 45 and other input / output IFs 44, and outputs the result to each element of the control unit 410.

[0125] For example, the operation reception unit 411 accepts an input operation on the input unit 451, detects the coordinates of the input position of the input operation, and identifies the type of the input operation. The operation reception unit 411 identifies, as the type of the input operation, for example, a touch operation, a slide operation, a swipe operation, and a tap operation, etc. Also, when the continuously detected input is interrupted, the operation reception unit 411 detects that the contact input has been released from the touch screen 45.

[0126] The game progress unit 412 performs various processes related to the progress of the game. For example, the game progress unit 412 identifies the content of the user's instruction based on the coordinates of the position of the input operation received by the operation reception unit 411, the type of the operation, and the progress status of the game. In addition, the game progress unit 412 performs various determination processes related to the progress of the game. In addition, the game progress unit 412 adds, updates, or deletes various information included in the game information 432 and the user information 433 stored in the storage unit 420.

[0127] The display control unit 413 creates an image of the game screen and transmits the image to the distribution terminal 300 in real time via the communication unit 414. The display control unit 413 generates, for example, an image including a game object and a background image serving as the background of the game object, and transmits the image to the distribution terminal 300. Note that the display control unit 413 may display the image of the game screen on the display unit 452.

[0128] Note that the display control unit 413 may control and draw 2D or 3D game objects (UI objects) for constructing a UI (user interface). For example, the display control unit 413 may display a game screen in which UI objects necessary for various operations of the game, such as icons, buttons, lists, and menu screens, are superimposed on the background image. A UI object is a tool for a user to perform an input necessary for the progress of the game on the game terminal 400. In addition, a UI object is a tool for a user to obtain information output during the progress of the game from the game terminal 400.

[0129] The communication unit 414 transmits various data and requests to the game server 500. For example, the communication unit 414 transmits part or all of the game information 432 or the user information 433 to the game server 500. The communication unit 414 receives various data and requests from the game server 500. For example, the communication unit 414 receives part or all of the game information 432 or the user information 433 from the game server 500.

[0130] In addition, the communication unit 414 communicates between the game terminal 400 and the distribution terminal 300. For example, the communication unit 414 transmits the image of the game screen created by the display control unit 413 to the distribution terminal 300 in real time.

[0131] (Functional Configuration of Game Server 500) The control unit 510 comprehensively controls the game server 500 by executing the game program 431 stored in the storage unit 520. In addition, the control unit 510 may communicate with a plurality of game terminals 400 to mediate the exchange of data between the game terminals 400.

[0132] The control unit 510 functions as a transmission / reception unit 511, a server processing unit 512, and a data management unit 513 according to the description of the game program 431. The control unit 510 can also function as other functional blocks (not shown) to assist the progress of the game on the game terminal 400 according to the nature of the game being executed.

[0133] The transmission / reception unit 511 receives various data and requests from the game terminal 400. For example, the transmission / reception unit 511 receives part or all of the game information 432 or user information 433 from the game terminal 400.

[0134] The transmission / reception unit 511 transmits various data and requests to the game terminal 400. For example, the transmission / reception unit 511 transmits the support instruction received from the distribution server 200 to the game terminal 400.

[0135] The server processing unit 512 performs arithmetic processing necessary to provide the game. The server processing unit 512 instructs the transmission / reception unit 511 to transmit various data. The server processing unit 512 instructs the data management unit 513 to add, update, or delete various information included in the game information 432 and user information 433.

[0136] The data management unit 513 manages the data stored in the storage unit 520. The data management unit 513 executes addition, update, or deletion of various information included in the game information 432 and the user information 433 in response to an instruction from the server processing unit 512. The data management unit 513 may read at least one of the game information 432 and the user information 433 from the storage unit 520 according to an instruction from the server processing unit 512. The data management unit 513 may read from the storage unit 520 a program for execution on a certain game terminal 400 from among the game programs 431 and transmit it to the game terminal 400.

[0137] Note that the functions of the viewing terminal 100, the distribution server 200, the distribution terminal 300, the game terminal 400, and the game server 500 shown in FIG. 3 are merely examples. For example, the distribution server 200 may have at least a part of the functions provided in the viewing terminal 100 or the distribution terminal 300. Also, for example, the viewing terminal 100 or the distribution terminal 300 may have at least a part of the functions provided in the distribution server 200. Also, for example, the game server 500 may have at least a part of the functions provided in the game terminal 400. Also, for example, the game terminal 400 may have at least a part of the functions provided in the game server 500.

[0138] Also, the viewing terminal 100 may cooperate with other components other than the above-described components or other devices connected to the viewing terminal 100. For example, the viewing terminal 100 may cause other components or other devices to execute a part of the processing in the viewing terminal 100.

[0139] Also, the distribution system 2 may use other devices other than the distribution server 200 and the distribution terminal 300 as components of the distribution system 2 and cause the other devices to execute a part of the processing in the distribution system 2. That is, the computer that executes the distribution program 231 in the present embodiment may be any of the distribution server 200, the distribution terminal 300, and other devices, or may be realized by a combination of a plurality of these devices.

[0140] In addition, the game system 3 may include devices other than the game terminal 400 and the game server 500 as components of the game system 3, and may cause such other devices to execute a part of the processing in the game system 3. That is, the computer that executes the game program 431 in the present embodiment may be any of the game terminal 400, the game server 500, and other devices, or may be realized by a combination of a plurality of these devices.

[0141] <Flow of distribution processing> FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of data transmission, reception, and processing between devices when creating and live-distributing content. Note that, since there is no essential processing in the game server 500 in the flow from content creation to distribution, it is not shown in FIG. 4.

[0142] In step S100, the game progress section 412 of the game terminal 400 starts the game. The game progress section 412 starts the game, for example, when the operation reception section 411 receives an input operation instructing the start of the game. The game progress section 412 instructs the display control section 413 to create a game screen according to the progress of the game. The display control section 413 creates a game screen in response to the instruction.

[0143] In step S102, the communication section 414 of the game terminal 400 transmits the image of the game screen created by the display control section 413 to the distribution terminal 300 in real time. Note that the game screen may be displayed on the display section 452 of the game terminal 400.

[0144] In step S104, the communication section 314 of the distribution terminal 300 receives the image of the game screen in real time. The communication section 314 sends the received image of the game screen to the distribution section 312 as needed.

[0145] In step S106, the distribution unit 312 creates content and transmits the content to the distribution server 200 in real time via the communication unit 314. The method for creating the content will be described in detail later. Hereinafter, the distribution unit 312 continues the live distribution of the content until, for example, the operation reception unit 311 receives an input operation instructing the end of the live distribution.

[0146] In step S108, the transceiver unit 211 of the distribution server 200 receives the content in real time. The transceiver unit 211 may store the received content in the storage unit 220 temporarily or non-temporarily. The distribution server 200 waits until it receives a live distribution request from the viewing terminal 100.

[0147] In step S110, the operation reception unit 111 of the viewing terminal 100 receives an input operation by which the viewer instructs the viewing of the content. When the operation reception unit 111 receives the instruction , the playback unit 112 executes step S112.

[0148] In step S112, the playback unit 112 requests the distribution of the content via the communication unit 114.

[0149] In step S114, the server processing unit 212 of the distribution server 200 receives the distribution request via the transceiver unit 211. When the server processing unit 212 receives the request, it executes the process of step S116.

[0150] In step S116, the server processing unit 212 distributes the content received from the distribution terminal 300 to the viewing terminal 100 in real time. Hereinafter, the server processing unit 212 continues the live distribution of the content until, for example, the transceiver unit 211 stops receiving the content from the distribution terminal 300 or until it is notified from the viewing terminal 100 that the viewing has ended.

[0151] In step S118, the communication unit 114 of the viewing terminal 100 receives the content in real time.

[0152] In step S120, the playback unit 112 performs streaming playback of the content received by the communication unit 114 at any time. Thereafter, the playback unit 112 continues to perform streaming playback until it is determined to be YES in step S122 or YES in step S124.

[0153] In step S122, the control unit 110 determines whether the operation reception unit 111 has received an input operation instructing the end of viewing. If YES in step S122, that is, if the operation reception unit 111 has received an input operation instructing the end of viewing, the playback unit 112 executes step S126.

[0154] In step S126, the playback unit 112 terminates the streaming playback of the content. Also, the playback unit 112 notifies the distribution server 200 of the end of viewing via the communication unit 114. When the server processing unit 212 of the distribution server 200 receives the notification, it stops the live distribution to the viewing terminal 100.

[0155] On the other hand, if NO in step S122, that is, if the operation reception unit 111 has not received an input operation instructing the end of viewing, the control unit 110 further executes the process of step S124.

[0156] In step S124, the control unit 110 determines whether the live distribution has ended. For example, the control unit 110 may determine that the live distribution has ended when the reception of the content in the communication unit 114 has ended. If NO in step S124, the control unit 110 repeats the process from step S122. On the other hand, if YES in step S124, the playback unit 112 executes the process of step S126. That is, the playback unit 112 terminates the streaming playback of the content.

[0157] According to the above processing, content including the play screen of the game in progress on the game terminal 400 and the avatar of the distributor is created and distributed in real time. As a result, the viewer can view the avatar of the distributor and the play screen of the game that the distributor is playing by viewing the content via the viewing terminal 100.

[0158] (Content creation and playback screen) FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the state of content creation by the distributor and the display screen when the content is played on the viewing terminal 100. Hereinafter, the display screen when the content is being played on the viewing terminal 100 is referred to as the "playback screen". In the following description, it is assumed that the game realized by the game system 3 is a shooting game in which the stage is cleared by shooting and defeating enemies. Also, in the following description, in response to the first input operation, as a support effect, an effect of increasing the remaining ammunition of the distributor in the above-mentioned shooting game, that is, an effect of reloading the gun is activated.

[0159] State (A) in FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the state of content creation by the distributor. The distributor 701 creates content by performing various inputs to the distribution terminal 300. For example, the distributor 701 inputs his own voice 700 to the distribution terminal 300 via the microphone 3010.

[0160] Also, motion capture data of the model 702, which is part of the distributor, may be input to the distribution terminal 300. The distribution unit 312 reflects the movement indicated by the motion capture data supplied from the motion capture device 3020 in the movement of the distributor's avatar. The motion capture data is obtained by capturing the movement of the model 702 via the motion capture device 3020.

[0161] Furthermore, as described above, the game screen is supplied to the distribution terminal 300 from the game terminal 400 at any time. The content creation unit 312B of the distribution terminal 300 sequentially synthesizes the content based on the voice, motion capture data, and game screen input in real time.

[0162] For example, the content creation unit 312B draws an image of a character object representing the avatar of the distributor. At this time, the content creation unit 312B moves the posture of the character object to a posture corresponding to the movement of the model 702 indicated by the motion capture data.

[0163] The content creation unit 312B synthesizes the image of the character object described above and the game screen. Thereby, it is possible to create content including the avatar of the distributor and the play screen of the game being played by the distributor.

[0164] In addition, the content creation unit 312B may synthesize a voice with the same content as the voice 700 uttered by the distributor 701 into the content. Here, the "voice with the same content" means the voice 700 itself, a voice obtained by subjecting the voice 700 to predetermined voice processing, or a voice obtained by mechanically generating the voice 700 using a text-to-speech software or the like. Further, the content creation unit 312B may synthesize a character string or the like input via the touch screen 35 or the like of the distribution terminal 300 into the content.

[0165] The state (B) of FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a playback screen on the viewing terminal 100. The playback screen 800 includes at least the avatar 801 of the distributor and the game play screen 802. Further, the playback screen 800 may include a column 807 for displaying the amount of valuable data or specific items held by the viewer. Further, the playback screen 800 may include buttons 805 and 806 for receiving a first input operation. The button 805 and the button 806 are buttons for causing different support effects. In other words, the first input operation for the button 805 and the first input operation for the button 806 are received as different types of first input operations in the control unit 110. Note that the playback screen 800 may include only one of the buttons 805 and 806. In this way, by including and displaying a UI object for receiving the first input operation on the playback screen 800, the viewer can be made to perform distributor support with a simple operation.

[0166] Further, the playback screen 800 may include a button 804 for transmitting a message to the distributor. Further, the viewing terminal 100 may output voice 803 having the same content as the voice input by the distributor from an output device such as a speaker.

[0167] <Flow of support processing> FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of data transmission, reception, and processing between devices when a viewer supports the game play of a distributor during a live distribution. The sequence diagram shown in FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram when the distribution server 200 and the distribution terminal 300 are live-distributing content and the viewing terminal 100 is playing back the content. In other words, the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 6 shows an example of the flow of data transmission, reception, and processing executed between step S120 and step S122 of the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 4.

[0168] In step S200, the control unit 110 determines whether the operation reception unit 111 has received the first input operation. If the result in step S200 is NO, that is, if the operation reception unit 111 has not received the first input operation, the control unit 110 waits for the reception of the first input operation while the content is being played back by the playback unit 112. If the result in step S200 is YES, that is, if the operation reception unit 111 has received the first input operation, the support instruction unit 115 executes step S202. The first input operation is, for example, an input operation on the button 805 or 806 included in the playback screen 800 shown in FIG. 5.

[0169] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of changes in the playback screen 800 before and after the first input operation is performed by the viewer. The state (A) in FIG. 7 shows the playback screen 800 before the first input operation on the button 805 is performed by the viewer A. On the other hand, the state (B) in FIG. 7 shows the playback screen 800 after the first input operation is performed.

[0170] As shown in the state (A) of FIG. 7, when an input operation on the button 805, for example, an input operation of pressing the display area of the button 805 on the touch screen 15, is performed, the operation reception unit 111 receives the input operation as the first input operation. When the first input operation is received, the support instruction unit 115 executes step S202.

[0171] In step S202, the support instruction unit 115 creates input information corresponding to the type of the first input operation and transmits the input information to the distribution server 200. For example, the support instruction unit 115 receives an input operation performed on either of the buttons 805 and 806 included in the playback screen 800, identifies which button the input operation is performed on, and then creates input information corresponding to each button.

[0172] The input information only needs to be information that can notify at least that there has been a first input operation on the viewing terminal 100. The data structure of the input information is not particularly limited as long as the information necessary for the distribution terminal 300 to create a support instruction is included.

[0173] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of input information. In the illustrated example, the input information includes information in columns of "user ID", "user name", "date and time", "instruction", and "consumption amount". The input information in FIG. 8 is an example of the input information generated when an input operation on button 805 is received in the state (A) of FIG. 7.

[0174] In the "user ID" column, information for identifying the viewer is stored. In the "user name" column, information indicating the name of the viewer's account, for example, the handle name, is stored. Hereinafter, the name of the viewer's account is also referred to as the viewer name. In the "date and time" column, information indicating the date and time when the first input operation was performed is stored. Note that the date and time may be measured using the control clock of control unit 110 or the like. In the "instruction" column, information indicating the type of the first input operation is stored. In the example of FIG. 8, the input information is the input information when the first input operation indicating instruction A is performed. In the "consumption amount" column, information indicating the amount of valuable data or a specific item consumed when the first input operation is received and the input information is created is stored. Note that when both valuable data and a specific item can be used for distributor support, it is desirable that the "consumption amount" column also stores information indicating the type of consumed items, that is, the types of consumed valuable data and specific items. In step S204, the support instruction unit 115 notifies the user that the distributor has been supported via the display control unit 113. For example, the support instruction unit 115 instructs the display control unit 113 to create a playback screen 800 including a notification that the first input operation has been received. Also, for example, the support instruction unit 115 instructs the display control unit 113 to create a playback screen 800 including a notification of the consumption amount of valuable data or a specific item by the first input operation. Also, for example, the support instruction unit 115 causes the display control unit 113 to display a pop-up image or the like notifying the support effect caused by the first input operation. Note that the playback unit 112 may execute the various notifications described above by voice or the like.

[0175]

[0176] ​ In step S206, the server processing unit 212 of the distribution server 200 receives input information. The server processing unit 212 creates a support instruction based on the received input information. Note that the data structure of the support instruction is not particularly limited as long as it includes information necessary for the control unit 410 of the game terminal 400 to realize the support effect. For example, the distribution server 200 may store in the storage unit 220 support information that is information associating the type of the first input operation, that is, the type of instruction in the viewing terminal 100, with the content of the distributor support. Then, the server processing unit 212 refers to the support information to specify the content of the support effect from the first input operation indicated by the input information. Then, the server processing unit 212 creates a support instruction indicating the content of the specified support effect.

[0177] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of a support instruction created by the server processing unit 212 of the distribution server 200. The data of the support instruction shown in FIG. 9 indicates a support instruction created corresponding to the input information shown in FIG. 7. In the illustrated example, the support instruction includes a "support effect" column and an "effect amount" column.

[0178] In the "support effect" column, information defining the content of the support effect is stored. Note that when the support effect is an effect that changes the numerical value of a predetermined in-game parameter related to the game, information indicating the parameter to be changed is stored in the "support effect" column. Further, when the variation amount of the numerical value of the parameter is variable, information indicating how to change the parameter is stored in the "support effect" column. Note that the "support effect" column may include information indicating the change amount of the parameter.

[0179] For example, in the illustrated example, in the information stored in the "support effect" column, it is specified that the in-game parameter of the quantity of the held item "bullet" in the game is "reloaded", that is, increased. In the illustrated example, the quantity of bullets is assumed to be the variable x.

[0180] In the "Effect Size" column, information indicating the amount of change in a predetermined parameter related to the game, that is, the effect size of the support effect, is stored. In the illustrated example, the effect size is fixed at 10, but the effect size may be defined according to, for example, valuable data or the consumption amount of a specific item. Specifically, when two specific items are consumed, the effect size may be defined to be twice that when one item is consumed. Note that if the "Support Effect" column contains information indicating the amount of change in the parameter, the information in the "Effect Size" column may not be included in the support instruction.

[0181] The input information may include information defining the content of the support effect. For example, the input information shown in FIG. 8 may include the information shown in the "Support Effect" column and the "Effect" column shown in FIG. 9 instead of or together with the information shown in the "Instruction" column. In this case, the storage unit 120 of the viewing terminal 100 stores the support information. Also, the support instruction unit 115 specifies the content of the support effect corresponding to the first input operation and creates input information including the content. In this case, the server processing unit 212 may transmit the received input information to the game server 500 as it is as a support instruction. Also in this case, the distribution server 200 may not include the support information.

[0182] The support instruction may include information indicating the type of the first input operation instead of the content of the support effect. For example, instead of the information shown in the "Support Effect" column and the "Effect" column shown in FIG. 9, the information shown in the "Instruction" column of the input information shown in FIG. 8 may be included. In this case, the storage unit 520 of the game server 500 or the storage unit 420 of the game terminal 400 stores the support information. Also, in either the game server 500 or the game terminal 400 that stores the support information, the content of the support effect corresponding to the first input operation is specified. When the game server 500 specifies the content of the support effect, the content is transmitted from the game server 500 to the game terminal 400. In this case, the distribution server 200 may not include the support information.

[0183] In step S208, the server processing unit 212 transmits the created support instruction to the game server 500.

[0184] In step S210, the game server 500 receives a support instruction.

[0185] In step S212, the game server 500 transmits the support instruction to the game terminal 400. That is, the game server 500 transfers the support instruction received from the distribution server 200 to the game terminal 400.

[0186] In step S214, the game progress unit 412 of the game terminal 400 receives the support instruction via the communication unit 414.

[0187] In step S216, the game progress unit 412 activates the support effect indicated by the support instruction in the ongoing game. Here, the game screen created by the display control unit 413 is transmitted to the distribution terminal 300 at any time. Therefore, the activation of the support effect by the game progress unit 412 is reflected in the game screen transmitted to the distribution terminal 300.

[0188] In step S218, the display control unit 413 of the game terminal 400 transmits the game screen to the distribution terminal 300 via the communication unit 414.

[0189] In step S220, the distribution unit 312 of the distribution terminal 300 receives the game screen. The content creation unit 312B of the distribution terminal 300 creates content including the received game screen, that is, the play screen of the distributor's game, and performs live distribution via the distribution server 200. The playback unit 112 and the display control unit 113 display a playback screen including the content on the touch screen 15. As a result, the play screen after the support effect is activated is displayed on the touch screen 15 of the viewing terminal 100.

[0190] (Playback screen after the first input operation) State (B) in FIG. 7 shows the playback screen 800 after an input operation on the button 805. When an input operation on the button 805, that is, the first input operation, is performed, support The instruction unit 115 reduces a predetermined amount of valuable data or specific items held by viewer A. Then, in exchange for the consumption of the valuable data or specific items, the above-described input information is created and transmitted to the distribution server 200.

[0191] For example, the support instruction unit 115 updates the quantity of valuable data or specific items held by the viewer stored in the viewer information 132. This quantity is referred to when the playback screen 800 is created by the playback unit 112 and the display control unit 113. Therefore, as shown in state (B) of FIG. 7, the quantity of valuable data or specific items displayed in column 807 of the playback screen 800 is also updated. In the illustrated example, the number of valuable data (gems) held by the viewer has decreased by 10.

[0192] The input information is transmitted from the support instruction unit 115 to the distribution server 200. Then, a support instruction is created in the distribution server 200, and based on this support instruction, a support effect is activated in the game terminal 400 of the game system 3.

[0193] As a result, in the shooting game, the number of remaining bullets of the player, that is, the distributor, increases. In other words, by performing an input operation on button 805, viewer A can consume valuable data and help reload the gun of the distributor in the game. The game screen 802 of the playback screen 800 includes a column 802A indicating the remaining bullets of the gun. In the illustrated example, the number of remaining bullets of the gun has increased by 10 due to the support effect.

[0194] Also, as shown in state (B) of FIG. 6, the playback screen 800 may display the amount of valuable data consumed by an input operation on button 805, and a pop-up 808 notifying the support effect caused by the input operation.

[0195] Incidentally, when transmitting the support instruction in step S208, the distribution server 200 also executes step S222.

[0196] In step S222, the server processing unit 212 of the distribution server 200 transmits input information to the distribution terminal 300.

[0197] In step S224, the distribution unit 312 of the distribution terminal 300 receives the input information. Thereby, the distribution unit 312 can recognize that the distributor support has been performed.

[0198] In step S226, the notification unit 312C of the distribution unit 312 notifies the distributor that the distributor support has been performed. When the viewer name is included in the input information, it is preferable that the notification unit 312C also notifies the viewer name of the viewer who has performed the distributor support together with the notification that the distributor support has been performed.

[0199] Note that the method of notification in step S226 is not particularly limited. For example, the notification unit 312C may notify the distributor by voice from the speaker of the distribution terminal 300 that the distributor support has been performed. Further, the notification unit 312C may notify that the distributor support has been performed by displaying a pop-up image or the like indicating that the distributor support has been performed on the distribution screen created and displayed by the distribution screen creation unit 312A.

[0200] In the above description, the processes of steps S222 to S226 have been described after the processes of steps S208 to S220. However, the processing order between the process of step S208 and the process of step S222 is not particularly limited. Further, step S208 and step S222 may be executed in parallel.

[0201] Therefore, the processing order between the processes of steps S210 to S220 and the processes of steps S224 to S226 is also not particularly limited. For example, the distribution terminal 300 may receive the game screen after the support effect is activated and then notify the distributor that it has been supported. That is, the process of step S226 may be executed after the process of step S200.

[0202] Also, the transmission of input information from the distribution server 200 to the distribution terminal 300 in step S222 is not essential. For example, when the game terminal 400 activates the support effect in step S216, it may notify the distribution terminal 300 that the support effect has been activated. In this case, when the distribution terminal 300 receives the notification from the game terminal 400, it performs the notification in step S226.

[0203] Thus, according to the support system 1 according to this embodiment, it is possible to support the play of the distributor's game in response to the first input operation on the viewing terminal 100. That is, the viewer can intervene in the distributor's game play by watching the live distribution and performing the first input operation. Therefore, the interestingness of the content can be improved.

[0204] <Variant of the content> In the above description, the game provided by the game system 3 is independent of the content distributed by the distribution system 2, and the game screen is captured from the game terminal 400 to the distribution terminal 300, and the game screen is included in the content.

[0205] However, the support system 1 may be a system that integrates the distribution system 2 and the game system 3. For example, the distribution terminal 300 and the game terminal 400 may be integrally configured, and the distribution screen creation unit 312A may cooperate with the game progress unit 412, the game server 500, etc. to create a game screen and distribution screen. Then, the distribution screen creation unit 312A may cooperate with the game progress unit 412, the game server 500, etc. to provide a game for the distributor or the distributor's avatar to play on the distribution screen. In this case, the game play screen included in the content becomes the content itself including the distributor's avatar.

[0206] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a playback screen. On the playback screen 900 shown in FIG. 10, content as a game screen including the avatar 901 of the distributor is displayed. The playback screen 900 includes the avatar 901 of the distributor. Also, the playback screen 900 includes a button 905 for receiving a first input operation. Further, the playback screen 900 may include objects 902 and 908 related to the progress of the game, a column 907 indicating the possession amount of valuable data or specific items, and a button 904 for sending a message to the distributor.

[0207] The operation reception unit 111 receives a first input operation such as an input operation of touching the button 905 on the playback screen 900. The subsequent processing is the same as the processing described above. For example, the support system 1 may increase the remaining time in the illustrated game realized on the distribution terminal 300 as a support effect in response to the first input operation on the button 905.

[0208] [Embodiment 2] The operation reception unit 111 of the viewing terminal 100 may receive a second input operation which is an input operation of the viewer instructing the transmission of a message to the distributor. Also, when the control unit 110 of the viewing terminal 100 receives the second input operation, it may send a message to the distribution system 2. Further, the display control unit 113 may display, on the touch screen 15, the content, a UI object for receiving the first input operation, the message sent from the viewing terminal 100 to the distribution system 2, and the message sent from other viewing terminals 100 by other viewers other than the viewer.

[0209] Also, the display control unit 113 may display, on the touch screen 15, a UI object for receiving the second input operation together with the content and a UI object for receiving the first input operation. Hereinafter, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. Note that the description of the same content as that described in Embodiment 1 will not be repeated.

[0210] (Message Sending and Display) FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a playback screen when a message is input and transmitted on the viewing terminal 100. In the following example, the playback screen 850 on the viewing terminal 100 of a viewer whose user name stored in the viewer information 132 is "Mr. A", that is, the viewing terminal 100 of Mr. A, will be taken as an example for explanation.

[0211] State (A) in FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the playback screen 850 when the second input operation is received. The content creation unit 312B of the distribution terminal 300 according to the present embodiment creates content including the display area for messages from viewers and performs live distribution. Messages from each viewing terminal 100 are displayed in the display area at any time.

[0212] The playback unit 112 of the viewing terminal 100 plays back the content including the above-described display area. Therefore, the playback screen includes a display area 810 for displaying messages from viewers, like the illustrated playback screen 850.

[0213] When the operation reception unit 111 of the viewing terminal 100 receives a predetermined input operation from the viewer, the display control unit 113 of the viewing terminal 100 causes a UI object 811, which is a software keyboard for inputting messages, and an input field 812 for messages to be displayed on the playback screen 850. Note that the predetermined input operation is, for example, an input operation on the button 804 in the playback screen 800 shown in state (B) of FIG. 5 and the like.

[0214] The operation reception unit 111 of the viewing terminal 100 receives a second input operation which is an input operation for instructing the transmission of a message to the distributor. In the illustrated example, the second input operation is an input operation for finalizing the input message, that is, an input operation on the determination button of the software keyboard 811. As shown in the figure, it is assumed that an input operation on the determination button of the software keyboard 811 is performed with the text "Do your best!" entered in the input field 812. In this case, the control unit 110 reads out the viewer name stored in the viewer information 132, and transmits the viewer name and the finalized message, that is, the information indicating the character string "Do your best!" to the distribution server 200 of the distribution system 2.

[0215] Note that although the destination of the message is the distributor, the content of the message itself is not particularly limited. For example, the content of the message may be an impression of the content or a reply comment to the comment of another viewer.

[0216] In this case, the server processing unit 212 of the distribution server 200 receives the message and the viewer name from the viewing terminal 100 of male A via the transmission / reception unit 211. The server processing unit 212 transfers the received viewer name and message to the distribution terminal 300.

[0217] The distribution unit 312 of the distribution terminal 300 receives the viewer name and the message from the distribution server 200. The content creation unit 312B synthesizes the text strings of the message and the viewer name, and the components of the content such as the UI image, the game screen, and the avatar, so that the message is displayed in the message display area in the content together with the destination of the message, that is, the viewer name, and performs live distribution.

[0218] The playback unit 112 of the viewing terminal 100 receives and plays the live-streamed content. As a result, the playback screen 850 shown in state (B) of FIG. 11 is displayed on the touch screen 15. State (B) of FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the playback screen 850 on the viewing terminal 100 of male A after the message "Do your best!" shown in state (A) of the same figure is transmitted from the viewing terminal 100 of male A. For example, in the display area 810 of the playback screen 850, the message 810A and the user name (male A) who sent the message are displayed in association with each other.

[0219] Since there can be a plurality of viewing terminals 100, the distribution server 200 of the distribution system 2 receives the viewer name and the message from the plurality of viewing terminals 100 in the above-described flow and transfers them to the distribution terminal 300. Then, the content creation unit 312B of the distribution terminal 300 creates content by synthesizing the message and the viewer name with the components of other content so that those messages are displayed together with the viewer name who sent the message in the display area. Therefore, for example, on the playback screen 850 of the viewing terminal 100 of male A, messages other than the message of male A included in the content can also be displayed.

[0220] State (C) of FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the playback screen 850 on the viewing terminal 100 of male A when male B sends a message using a viewing terminal 100 other than the viewing terminal 100 of male A, that is, the viewing terminal 100 of male B. As shown in the figure, the viewing terminal 100 of male A displays the playback screen 850 in which the message 810B sent by another viewer (male B) other than male A is displayed in the display area 810.

[0221] According to the above processing, the viewing terminal 100 can show the viewer the message instructed by the viewer to be sent and the messages sent from other viewers other than the viewer from other viewing terminals 100. In this way, by showing the messages of other viewers to a certain viewer, during the content viewing, the certain viewer can be made aware of the presence of others who are viewing the same content. For example, male A who saw the playback screen 850 shown in state (C) of FIG. 11 can recognize that male B is viewing the same content. Also, male A and male B can also talk to each other by sending messages to each other. Thereby, the viewer can be made to feel that a plurality of people are viewing the content. Also, since the viewer can respond to the distributor or others with a message, the interestingness of the content is improved.

[0222] In addition, the distribution screen creation unit 312A of the distribution terminal 300 may display the message received from the viewing terminal 100 and the name of the viewer who sent the message on the distribution screen. Alternatively, the distribution unit 312 may notify the distributor by voice of the content of the message received from the viewing terminal 100 and the name of the viewer via a speaker or the like of the distribution terminal 300.

[0223] Thereby, the distributor can recognize who sent what kind of message. Therefore, for example, as shown in state (C) of FIG. 11, a response can be made to the message by voice 813 or the like. Thereby, the communication between the viewer and the distributor can be activated, and the interestingness of the content is further improved.

[0224] (Processing flow for support notification) When the display control unit 113 of the viewing terminal 100 sends a support instruction from the distribution system 2 to the game system 3 based on input information from other viewing terminals 100, the display control unit 113 may notify the viewer of the name of another viewer corresponding to the other viewing terminal 100 and the fact that the other viewer supported the game play of the distributor.

[0225] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of data transmission and reception between devices and a processing flow for notifying a viewer that another viewer has assisted the game play of the distributor. In FIG. 12, as an example, a processing flow is shown in a scene where two viewers, a male A and an assistant C, are viewing content using their respective viewing terminals 100 and the assistant C executes distributor support.

[0226] The processing from step S300 to step S326 in FIG. 12 is the same as the processing flow from step S200 to step S226 in FIG. 6. However, in the example of FIG. 12, the viewing terminal 100 transmits input information including the user ID and the viewer name to the distribution server 200. Also, in step S326, the notification unit 312C of the distribution terminal 300 notifies the viewer name of the viewer who performed the distributor support along with the notification that the distributor support has been performed.

[0227] After transmitting the support instruction to the game server 500 in step S308 or after transmitting the input information to the distribution terminal 300 in step S322, the distribution server 200 executes step S328.

[0228] In step S328, the server processing unit 212 of the distribution server 200 notifies the support content and the viewer name of the viewer who performed the support to the viewing terminals 100 other than the viewing terminal 100 that is the source of the input information among the viewing terminals 100 that are playing the content. For example, the server processing unit 212 sends the above-mentioned notification to the viewing terminals 100 other than the viewing terminal 100 associated with the user ID indicated by the received input information.

[0229] In the example of FIG. 12, the server processing unit 212 notifies the support content and the viewer name of the viewer who performed the support to the viewing terminal 100 of the male A. Note that the distribution server 200 may notify all the viewing terminals 100 that are playing the content of the support notification and the viewer name of the viewer who performed the support.

[0230] In step S330, the control unit 110 of the viewing terminal 100 of the male A receives the notification from the distribution server 200.

[0231] In step S332, the display control unit 113 of A's viewing terminal 100 reflects the notification received in step S330 on the playback screen. For example, the display control unit 113 creates a pop-up image showing the name of Assistant C who provided the broadcaster support and the content of the broadcaster support performed at Assistant C's instruction, and displays it superimposed on the playback screen.

[0232] Note that, when the game terminal 400 activates the support effect in step S216, the game terminal 400 may notify the distribution terminal 300 that the support effect has been activated. Furthermore, when the distribution terminal 300 receives the notification from the game terminal 400, the distribution terminal 300 may forward the notification to the distribution server 200. Then, when the transmission / reception unit 211 receives the notification, the server processing unit 212 of the distribution server 200 may execute step S328. In this way, when the support effect is actually activated in the game, it is possible to notify each viewing terminal 100 of the support content, etc. Therefore, when the support effect is actually activated in the game, each viewing terminal 100 can display the support content and the account name of the supporting viewer on the playback screen.

[0233] (Display support notification) 13 is a diagram showing an example of a playback screen on the viewing terminal 100 when another viewing terminal 100 corresponding to another viewer supports the broadcaster. A playback screen 860 shown in states (A) to (C) in FIG. 13 is a playback screen displayed on A's viewing terminal 100 after the playback screen 850 shown in state (C) in FIG. 11.

[0234] State (A) in Figure 13 shows the playback screen when another viewer, Assistant C, supports the broadcaster from his / her terminal. As explained in Figure 12, when input information is sent from Assistant C's viewing terminal 100 to the distribution server 200, the distribution server 200 sends a support instruction to the game server 500 and notifies the viewing terminals 100, including Mr. A's viewing terminal 100, of the name of Assistant C who instructed the support and the content of the support.

[0235] The display control unit 113 of the male viewer's viewing terminal 100 creates a pop-up image 814 showing the name of Assistant C who provided the distributor support and the content of the support, and superimposes and displays it on the playback screen. In this way, by showing a certain viewer that support has been provided by another viewer, as well as the content of the support and the name of the supporter, the viewer who is watching the content can be made aware of the presence of others who are watching the same content. For example, in the example of state (A) in FIG. 13, male A can be made aware that Assistant C is watching the same content and has provided distributor support. As a result, viewers can be made to feel that multiple people are watching the content. Also, by making other viewers aware that a certain viewer has executed distributor support, the competitive spirit of the other viewers can be stimulated and they can be encouraged to perform distributor support.

[0236] Also, as explained in step S326 of FIG. 12, the name of the viewer who executed the distributor support is notified to the distributor. As a result, as shown in state (A) of FIG. 13, the distributor can return a response such as voice 815 to the viewer who executed the distributor support. Furthermore, since the distributor can recognize the name of the viewer who executed the distributor support, the distributor can read the name and return a response as in the illustrated voice 815.

[0237] Voice 815 is distributed to all viewing terminals 100 in the same way as content. Therefore, when the distributor returns a response such as voice 815, Assistant C can, by watching the content, hear or see the response to himself / herself who provided the distributor support. Therefore, Assistant C can not only simply watch the content, but can also conduct two-way communication with the distributor of the content. As a result, the interestingness of the content is improved.

[0238] Also, viewers other than Assistant C, for example male A, can recognize on their own viewing terminal 100 that the distributor has mentioned Assistant C's name and returned a response. In this way, by showing a certain viewer the communication between the distributor and other viewers, the certain viewer can also be encouraged to actively engage with the content through distributor support.

[0239] State (B) in FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a playback screen on the viewer terminal 100 of male A when male A executes viewer support after state (A) in the same figure. As shown in the drawing, when male A executes viewer support, the fact that he has provided his support is displayed on the playback screen 860 as, for example, a pop-up 816. Similar to the case of assistant C, since the name of the viewer who has executed viewer support is notified to the distributor, the distributor can respond to male A as well, for example, as voice 817.

[0240] State (C) in FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a playback screen on the viewer terminal 100 of male A when assistant C further executes viewer support after state (B) in the same figure. As shown in the drawing, the pop-ups 814, 816, and 818 indicating that each viewer has executed viewer support may be displayed arranged in chronological order in a certain direction on the playback screen 860. In the example shown in the drawing, pop-ups indicating newer notifications are displayed at the lower part of the playback screen 860. Note that the display control unit 113 may erase these pop-ups from the playback screen 860 after a certain period of time has elapsed.

[0241] Note that the viewer terminal 100 may notify the user, that is, the viewer, of the date and time when the viewer support was executed in step S304. Also, the distribution server 200 may transmit the date and time when the viewer support was provided to each viewer terminal 100 in step S328 of FIG. 12. In this case, the distribution server 200 may specify the date and time when the viewer support was provided from the input information.

[0242] Then, each viewer terminal 100 may display the date and time when the viewer support was provided on the playback screen 860 in step S332. For example, the display control unit 113 may display the date and time when the viewer support was provided included in the pop-ups 814, 816, and 818 shown in each figure of FIG. 13.

[0243] Alternatively, instead of notifying the support content and the viewer name from the distribution server 200 to the viewing terminal 100 and displaying the content of the notification on the playback screen of the viewing terminal 100, the distribution terminal 300 may include the same content as the content of the notification in the content itself and distribute it. For example, the distribution server 200 and the viewing terminal 100 do not have to execute steps S328 to S332 in FIG. 12. In this case, the content creation unit 312B of the distribution terminal 300 may include, in the content, a notification in audio or image indicating the content of the notification received in step S326, that is, the viewer name who has executed the distributor support and the content of the support. Thereby, each viewing terminal 100 can reflect the above-mentioned notification on the playback screen by playing the content.

[0244] (Distributor screen) The distribution system 2 may distribute in real time content including the avatar of the distributor and the play screen of the game that the distributor is playing using the game terminal 400 included in the game system 3. The distribution system 2 may receive input information based on the first input operation from one or more viewing terminals 100, the input information including the viewer name associated with the viewing terminal 100. The distribution system 2 may cause an effect of supporting the distributor in the game by sending a support instruction corresponding to the input information to the game system 3. And when the distribution system 2 receives the input information, it may notify the distributor of the viewer name and the content of the support effect.

[0245] For example, when the communication unit 314 of the distribution terminal 300 receives the input information, the distribution screen creation unit 312A of the distribution terminal 300 may show the viewer name included in the input information and the content of the support effect to the distributor on the distribution screen.

[0246] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the distribution screen created by the distribution screen creation unit 312A. Note that the illustrated distribution screen 950 shows the distribution screen when creating the content displayed on the playback screen 860 shown in state (C) of FIG. 13.

[0247] The distribution screen 950 includes, for example, the avatar 951 of the distributor and the game play screen 952. The arrangement position, posture, expression, etc. of the avatar 951 may be displayed in the same manner as the display mode on the playback screen. Thereby, the distributor can confirm how the avatar is displayed on the playback screen through the distribution screen 950.

[0248] Also, the distribution screen 950 may include, for example, a display area 960 for displaying messages from viewers, and messages 960A and 960B sent from each viewer. Since the distribution server 200 and the distribution terminal 300 receive messages at any time during the live distribution, messages are displayed in the display area 960 in real time. Note that, as shown in the figure, the viewer name of the message sender may be appended to each message.

[0249] Also, the distribution screen 950 may be provided with a display area 955 for displaying the viewer name who has executed distributor support and the content of the support effect by the distributor support. Note that the date and time when the distributor support was executed may also be noted in the display area 955. Thereby, the distributor can recognize that the distributor support has been performed, so that, for example, a response can be returned to the viewer who performed the distributor support. Therefore, the communication between the viewer and the distributor is activated, and the interestingness of the content is improved.

[0250] Also, the distribution screen 950 may be provided with a column 953 for displaying at least one of the number of viewers currently watching the content and the cumulative number of viewers of the content. And the numbers in the column 953 may be updated in real time. Thereby, the distributor can grasp the number of viewers watching the content through the distribution screen 950.

[0251] In addition, the distribution screen 950 may be provided with a column 954 for displaying the amount of valuable data or specific items consumed by the viewers of the content for the purpose of supporting the distributor in the content. And the numbers in column 954 may be updated in real time. Thus, the distributor can grasp the implementation status of distributor support from a quantitative perspective through the distribution screen 950.

[0252] 〔Embodiment 3〕 The viewing terminal 100 according to the support system 1 may have a function as a game terminal. The "function as a game terminal" mentioned here may be a function of realizing the same game as the game realized by the game terminal 400, or a function of realizing another game different from the game. Here, the "other game" may be, for example, a game that gives rewards to viewers according to the reception information of a GPS receiver (not shown) provided in the viewing terminal 100, that is, the position information.

[0253] The support instruction unit 115 of the viewing terminal 100 according to the present embodiment accepts a first input operation in exchange for the consumption of valuable data or specific items. In addition, the control unit 110 of the viewing terminal 100 according to the present embodiment advances the same game as the game realized by the game terminal 400 or another game according to the input operation of the viewer. The control unit 110 further gives the valuable data or specific items consumed for executing the first input operation to the viewer according to the progress of the aforementioned game or another game.

[0254] According to the above configuration, valuable data or specific items necessary for support can be given as a reward for the viewer playing the game or another game. In other words, the viewer can secure the valuable data or specific items necessary for supporting the distributor at the time of content viewing by playing the game or another game in advance before the scheduled distribution of the content.

[0255] As a result, viewers can acquire valuable data or specific items and support the streamer's gameplay. Therefore, it becomes easier for viewers to support the streamer's gameplay. This can further activate the communication between viewers and streamers. Also, this can motivate viewers to play this game and other games.

[0256] 〔Embodiment 4〕 The viewing terminal 100 may receive operation information indicating that the streamer has performed a predetermined operation from the distribution system 2. Also, when receiving the operation information, the viewing terminal 100 may display a UI object for receiving a first input operation. Alternatively, when receiving the operation information, the viewing terminal 100 may enable the reception of the first input operation for the above-mentioned UI object.

[0257] Note that the specific example of the streamer's "predetermined operation" is not particularly limited. For example, the streamer's "predetermined operation" may be an input operation on the distribution terminal 300, for example, an input operation related to content creation. For example, the predetermined operation may be an input operation that the distribution terminal 300 performs on the touch screen 35 or the like, or a voice input operation using the microphone 3010. When receiving a voice input operation, the control unit 310 performs voice recognition on the input voice to identify the operation content.

[0258] For example, when the game is the above-mentioned gun shooting game, if the streamer speaks "I'm out of bullets" towards the microphone like the voice 700 in FIG. 5, the operation reception unit 311 of the distribution terminal 300 receives this, and the control unit 310 identifies the input operation corresponding to the voice by voice recognition. When the input operation corresponds to the above-mentioned predetermined input operation, the control unit 310 transmits operation information indicating that a predetermined operation has been performed to the distribution server 200.

[0259] In addition, the "predetermined operation" by the distributor may be an operation performed by the distributor on the game terminal 400, that is, an input operation related to the progress of the game. For example, when the game is the aforementioned gun shooting game, an input operation for determining the stage to play may be set as the aforementioned predetermined operation. Also, for example, when the game is an action game including battles with enemies, an input operation for selecting a predetermined chat icon within the game may be set as the aforementioned predetermined operation. In these cases, the operation reception unit 411 of the game terminal 400 determines whether the received input operation is a predetermined operation. If it is not a predetermined operation, the game terminal 400 does not perform any special processing. On the other hand, if it is a predetermined operation, the communication unit 414 of the game terminal 400 transmits operation information indicating that the distributor has executed the predetermined operation to the distribution terminal 300. When the communication unit 314 of the distribution terminal 300 receives the operation information, it transfers the operation information to the distribution server 200.

[0260] When the transmission / reception unit 211 of the distribution server 200 receives the operation information, it transfers the operation information to the viewing terminal 100 that is viewing the content. The communication unit 114 of the viewing terminal 100 receives the operation information. When the communication unit 114 receives the operation information, the display control unit 113 displays on the playback screen UI objects for receiving a first input operation, such as buttons 805 and 806 in FIG. 5, for example. Alternatively, the display control unit 113 enables the reception of a first input operation for the UI objects displayed on the playback screen.

[0261] Thereby, the distributor can control whether or not to accept the first input operation on the viewing terminal 100, that is, the operation for distributor support, by his / her own input operation. For example, during a period when the distributor does not want to intervene in the viewers, or during a period when the distributor wants to concentrate on viewing, the buttons 805 and 806, etc. can be made non-displayed, or the reception of input operations can be disabled.

[0262] Also, according to the input operation executed by the distributor in the game, it is possible to control whether or not to accept the operation for distributor support. Therefore, distributor support can be received at an appropriate timing.

[0263] In addition, the viewer can easily determine the timing for which the distributor should be assisted based on the display and non-display of the UI object or whether the input operation for the UI object can be accepted. Therefore, the viewer's assistance to the distributor can be more activated.

[0264] Note that there may be multiple types of predetermined operations by the distributor. Then, the display control unit 113 of the viewing terminal 100 may display a UI object corresponding to the type of the predetermined operation indicated by the operation information. Alternatively, the display control unit 113 may enable the acceptance of the first input operation for the UI object corresponding to the type. For example, buttons 805 and 806 in FIG. 5 may have their display or the acceptance of the input operation controlled according to different predetermined operations respectively. Thereby, when there are multiple types of distributor assistance methods, their acceptability can be separately controlled according to the distributor's operation. Therefore, the viewer can be made to execute appropriate distributor assistance at a more appropriate timing.

[0265] 〔Embodiment 5〕 The viewing terminal 100 may receive progress information indicating that the progress status of the game by the distributor has reached a predetermined status from the distribution system 2. Also, when the viewing terminal 100 receives the progress information, it may display a UI object for accepting the first input operation. Alternatively, when the viewing terminal 100 receives the progress information, it may enable the acceptance of the first input operation for the above-mentioned UI object.

[0266] In this case, the game progress unit 412 of the game terminal 400 determines whether the progress status of the game has reached a predetermined status, and when it reaches the predetermined status, creates progress information, which is information indicating that the predetermined status has been reached, and transmits it to the distribution terminal 300.

[0267] Note that specific examples of the aforementioned "predetermined situation" are not particularly limited. For example, when the game is the aforementioned gun shooting game, the game progress unit 412 may create and transmit progress information when the number of bullets possessed by the character operated by the distributor in the game, that is, the remaining bullet count, reaches a certain value or less. Also, for example, when the game is an action game including battles with enemies, the game progress unit 412 may create and transmit progress information when the physical strength value of the character operated by the distributor reaches a certain value or less. Also, for example, the game progress unit 412 may create and transmit the progress information when a predetermined event is started in the game.

[0268] When the communication unit 314 of the distribution terminal 300 receives the progress information, it transfers the progress information to the distribution server 200.

[0269] When the transmission / reception unit 211 of the distribution server 200 receives the progress information, it transfers the progress information to the viewing terminal 100 that is viewing the content. The communication unit 114 of the viewing terminal 100 receives the progress information. When the communication unit 114 receives the progress information, the display control unit 113 causes a UI object for receiving a first input operation, such as buttons 805 and 806 in FIG. 5, to be displayed on the playback screen. Alternatively, the display control unit 113 enables the reception of a first input operation for the UI object displayed on the playback screen.

[0270] Thereby, it is possible to control whether or not to accept an operation for distributor support according to the situation of the game play by the distributor. Therefore, the distributor can receive distributor support at an appropriate timing in the game play. Also, the viewer can easily determine the timing at which distributor support should be provided based on the display and non-display of the UI object or whether or not to accept an input operation for the UI object. Therefore, it is possible to further activate the distributor support by the viewer.

[0271] 〔Other Variations〕 In the above-described embodiment, buttons 805 and the like for receiving a support instruction from the user of the viewing terminal 100 are displayed in a form superimposed on the content received by the viewing terminal 100. In addition to this, in response to a touch operation or the like performed by the user of the viewing terminal 100 on an object in the game screen displayed on the viewing terminal 100, a support instruction may be given. For example, the distribution terminal 300 transmits to the viewing terminal 100, via the distribution server 200, (1) motion capture data of the distributor, (2) data on the operation content performed by the distributor on the game terminal 400 (for example, the timing of pressing a predetermined button on the game controller, etc.) and data on the progress of the game (which quest is being played, etc.), and (3) voice 700 uttered by the distributor. In the viewing terminal 100, the avatar 801 of the distributor is operated based on the (1) motion capture data of the distributor sequentially received from the distribution terminal 300. The avatar 801 of the distributor is placed in the virtual space and rendered in real time based on the motion capture data. Further, the viewing terminal 100 holds an emulator program for operating a game program equivalent to the game program 431 operating on the game terminal 400. In the viewing terminal 100, based on the (2) data on the operation content performed by the distributor on the game terminal 400 and the data on the progress of the distributor's game, the game play status of the distributor can be reproduced in real time, and the reproduced result can be displayed on the touch screen or the like of the viewing terminal 100. Therefore, the viewing terminal 100 can identify which object in the game screen has been designated by the user of the viewing terminal 100 based on the user's operation on a pointing device such as a touch screen. The viewing terminal 100 transmits the information on the object specified by the user to the game server 500 via the distribution server 200. Here, it may be that the effect of the support instruction is associated with each object that can be specified by the user. For example, in the example of FIG. 11, by detecting a touch operation of the user of the viewing terminal 100 on the column 802A, the support effect of replenishing the remaining ammunition can be reflected in the game.In addition, by detecting the touch operation of the user of the viewing terminal 100 on the stamina bar in the game screen, the game can reflect the support effect of restoring stamina. In addition, by detecting the touch operation on the avatar 801, a predetermined support effect may be exerted. Also, the game played by the distributor may be a single-player game. The viewer can support the distributor by performing a predetermined action (for example, a recovery action, a reload action, etc.) that the distributor can perform in a single-player game on behalf of the distributor.

[0272] 〔Example of implementation by software〕 Each control block of the control units 110, 210, 310, 410, and 510 may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or may be realized by software using a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0273] In the latter case, an information processing apparatus including at least one of the control units 110, 210, 310, 410, and 510 includes a CPU that executes program instructions of software that realizes each function, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a storage device (collectively referred to as a "recording medium") in which the program and various data are recordable in a readable manner by a computer (or CPU), a RAM (Random Access Memory) that expands the program, and the like. Then, when the computer (or CPU) reads and executes the program from the recording medium, the object of the present invention is achieved. As the recording medium, a "non-transitory tangible medium", for example, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like can be used. In addition, the program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium (such as a communication network or a broadcast wave) capable of transmitting the program. Note that one aspect of the present invention can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[0274] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0275] 〔Supplementary Note〕 The content related to one aspect of the present invention is listed as follows.

[0276] (Item 1) The viewing program (131) was described. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the viewing program is executed by a computer as a viewing terminal (100) including a processor (10) and a memory (11). The viewing program causes the processor to receive content that is delivered in real time using a delivery system, the content including an avatar of the content deliverer and a play screen of a game that the deliverer is playing using a game terminal included in a game system (step S118); reproduce the content (step S120); receive a first input operation of a viewer who is viewing the content using the viewing terminal (step S200); and when the first input operation is received, transmit input information corresponding to the first input operation to the delivery system, thereby causing the delivery system to transmit a support instruction, which is an instruction for causing an effect of assisting the deliverer in the game, to the game system (step S202).

[0277] According to the above processing, it is possible to assist the play of the deliverer's game in response to the first input operation. That is, the viewer can intervene in the deliverer's game play by viewing the content delivered in real time and performing the first input operation. Therefore, the interestingness of the content can be improved.

[0278] (Item 2) In (Item 1), when receiving the first input operation, the step of sending the support instruction may transmit input information corresponding to the first input operation in exchange for the valuable data of the viewer or the consumption of a specific item.

[0279] According to the above processing, since the number of times of viewer support for the distributor can be limited, the viewer can be made to consider the timing and number of times of distributor support. Therefore, the interestingness of the content is improved.

[0280] (Item 3) In (Item 2), the viewing program may further cause the processor to execute steps of advancing the same game as the game or another game different from the game, and granting the valuable data or the specific item to the viewer according to the progress of the game or the other game.

[0281] According to the above processing, valuable data or specific items necessary for support can be granted according to the viewer's playing of the game or another game. For this reason, for example, the viewer can play the game or another game in advance before the scheduled distribution of the content to secure the valuable data or specific items necessary for supporting the distributor during content viewing.

[0282] Thereby, the viewer can acquire valuable data or specific items to support the distributor's game play. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for the viewer to support the distributor's game play. Thereby, the communication between the viewer and the distributor can be further activated. Also, this can give the viewer a motivation to play the game and other games.

[0283] (Item 4) In any one of (Item 1) to (Item 3), the viewing program may further cause the processor to display, on the display unit of the viewing terminal, the content to be played in the playing step and a UI (user interface) object for receiving the first input operation. According to the above processing, a viewer can be made to execute the distributor support with a simple operation.

[0284] (Item 5) In (Item 4), the viewing program further causes the processor to receive operation information indicating that the distributor has executed a predetermined operation from the distribution system, and when the operation information is received in the step of receiving the operation information, to execute the step of displaying the UI object, or to enable the reception of the first input operation for the UI object displayed in the step of displaying the UI object.

[0285] According to the above processing, the distributor can control whether to accept the first input operation on the viewing terminal 100, that is, the operation for distributor support, by his own input operation. For example, during a period when the distributor does not want to intervene in the viewer or during a period when the viewer is desired to concentrate on viewing, the UI object can be made non-displayed or the reception of the input operation can be made invalid. Also, according to the input operation executed by the distributor in the game, it is possible to control whether to accept the operation for distributor support. Therefore, distributor support can be received at an appropriate timing.

[0286] Also, the viewer can easily determine the timing at which the distributor should be supported based on the display and non-display of the UI object or the availability of receiving the input operation for the UI object. Therefore, the viewer's support for the distributor can be made more active.

[0287] (Item 6) In (Item 4) or (Item 5), the viewing program may further cause the processor to receive progress information indicating that the progress of the game by the distributor has reached a predetermined situation from the distribution system, and when the progress information is received in the step of receiving the progress information, execute the step of displaying the UI object, or enable acceptance of the first input operation on the UI object displayed in the step of displaying the UI object.

[0288] According to the above processing, thereby, it is possible to control whether to accept an operation for assisting the distributor according to the situation of the game play by the distributor. Therefore, the distributor can receive distributor support at an appropriate timing in the game play. Also, the viewer can easily determine the timing at which the distributor should be supported based on the display and non-display of the UI object or whether to accept an input operation on the UI object. Therefore, it is possible to further activate the viewer's support for the distributor.

[0289] (Item 7) In any one of (Item 4) to (Item 6), the viewing program may further cause the processor to receive a second input operation which is an input operation of the viewer and which instructs transmission of a message to the distributor, and when the second input operation is received, transmit the message to the distribution system, and the step of displaying may display the message transmitted in the step of transmitting the message, and messages transmitted from other viewing terminals by other viewers other than the viewer, together with the content and the UI object.

[0290] According to the above processing, it is possible to show the viewer the message that the viewer has instructed to send and the messages sent by other viewers other than the viewer from other viewing terminals. In this way, by showing the messages of other viewers to a certain viewer, during the content viewing, the certain viewer can be made aware of the existence of others who are viewing the same content. As a result, the viewer can be made to feel that multiple people are viewing the content, thus improving the interestingness of the content.

[0291] (Item 8) In (Item 7), when the viewing program further causes the processor to send the support instruction from the distribution system to the game system based on the input information from the other viewing terminal, the name of the other viewer corresponding to the other viewing terminal and the fact that the other viewer has supported the game play of the distributor may be notified.

[0292] According to the above processing, it is possible to show a certain viewer that support has been provided by other viewers, as well as the content of the support and the name of the supporter. Therefore, during the content viewing, a certain viewer can be made aware of the existence of others who are viewing the same content. As a result, the viewer can be made to feel that multiple people are viewing the content. Also, by making other viewers aware that a certain viewer has executed distributor support, the competitiveness of the other viewers can be stimulated and they can be encouraged to support the distributor. Therefore, it is possible to activate the viewer's support for the distributor.

[0293] (Item 9) The distribution program (331) has been described. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the distribution program is executed by a distribution system (2) including one or more processors (20, 30) and memories (21, 31) respectively. The distribution program causes the processor to perform the steps of: (step S116) distributing in real time content including the avatar of the distributor and the game screen of the game being played by the distributor using the game terminal included in the game system; (step S306) receiving input information based on the first input operation from one or more viewing terminals (100) described in any one of (Item 1) to (Item 8), the input information including the name of the viewer associated with the viewing terminal; (step S308) causing an effect of assisting the distributor in the game by sending the support instruction corresponding to the input information to the game system; and (step S326) notifying the distributor of the name of the viewer and the content of the effect caused by the support instruction sent in the causing step when the input information is received.

[0294] According to the above processing, since the distributor can recognize that they have been assisted, for example, they can respond to the viewer who assisted them. Therefore, the communication between the viewer and the distributor is activated, and the interestingness of the content is improved.

[0295] (Item 10) A method for a computer to execute a viewing program has been described. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the viewing program (131) is executed by a computer including a processor (10) and a memory (11). The method is a method in which the processor executes each step described in (Item 1). The method according to (Item 10) has the same operational effects as the viewing program according to (Item 1).

[0296] (Item 11) A method for a computer to execute a distribution program was described. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the distribution program (331) is executed by a computer including a processor (20, 30) and a memory (21, 31). The method is a method for the processor to execute each step described in (Item 9). The method according to (Item 11) has the same effects as the distribution program according to (Item 9).

[0297] (Item 12) An information processing apparatus was described. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the information processing apparatus includes a memory (11) for storing the viewing program according to (Item 1), and a processor (10) for controlling the operation of the information processing apparatus (viewing terminal 100) by executing the viewing program. The information processing apparatus according to (Item 12) has the same effects as the viewing program according to (Item 1).

[0298] (Item 13) An information processing system was described. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the information processing system includes one or more memories (21, 31) for storing the distribution program according to (Item 9), and one or more processors (20, 30) for controlling the operation of the information processing system (distribution system 2) by executing the distribution program. The information processing system according to (Item 13) has the same effects as the distribution program according to (Item 9).

Description of Reference Numerals

[0299] 1 Support system, 2 Distribution system, 3 Game system, 4 Network, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 Processors, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51 Memories, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52 Storages, 15, 35, 45 Touchscreens, 48 Distance measurement sensor, 47 Camera, 100 Viewing terminal, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 Control units, 111, 311 Operation reception units, 112 Reproduction unit, 113, 313, 413 Display control units, 114, 314, 414 Communication units, 115 Support instruction unit, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520 Storage units, 431 Game program, 131 Viewing program, 132 Viewer information, 332 Distributor information, 151, 351, 451 Input units, 152, 352, 452 Display units, 200 Distribution server, 211, 511 Transmission / reception units, 212, 512 Server processing units, 213, 513 Data management units, 231, 331 Distribution programs, 300 Distribution terminal, 312 Distribution unit, 312A Distribution screen creation unit, 312B Content creation unit, 312C Notification unit, 400 Game terminal, 412 Game progress unit, 432 Game information, 433 User information, 500 Game server, 1020, 3030, 4020 Controllers, 1030, 4030 Memory media, 3010 Microphone, 3020 Motion capture device, 4010 Object, 13, 23, 33, 43, 53 Communication IFs, 14, 24, 34, 44, 54 Input / output IFs

Claims

1. A program executed by a computer, comprising: means for causing a processor included in the computer to receive content that is delivered in real time and includes a game being played by a deliverer; means for playing the content; means for receiving a first input operation of a viewer who is viewing the content; means for, when the first input operation is received, causing a support instruction for causing an effect of supporting the deliverer in the game to be transmitted even if the person who performed the first input operation is not playing the game; means for displaying the content to be played by the means for playing and for displaying a UI (user interface) object for receiving the first input operation together with the content; means for receiving progress information indicating that the progress state of the game by the deliverer has reached a predetermined state; when it is determined that the progress information has been received by the means for receiving the progress information, causing the means for displaying the UI object to be executed, or enabling reception of the first input operation with respect to the UI object displayed by the means for displaying the UI object; as the predetermined state, there are a plurality of types of states including a first state and a second state; when it is determined that progress information indicating the first state has been received as the progress information, causing the means for displaying a UI object corresponding to the first state to be executed, or enabling reception of the first input operation with respect to the UI object corresponding to the first state displayed by the means for displaying the UI object; when it is determined that progress information indicating the second state has been received as the progress information, causing the means for displaying a UI object corresponding to the second state to be executed, or enabling reception of the first input operation with respect to the UI object corresponding to the second state displayed by the means for displaying the UI object, a program.

2. A program executed by a computer, comprising: means for causing a processor included in the computer to receive content that is delivered in real time and includes a game being played by a deliverer; ​ ​ ​ means for playing the content; means for receiving a first input operation from a viewer who is viewing the content; means for transmitting a support instruction for causing an effect of supporting the distributor in the game even if the person who has performed the first input operation does not play the game when the first input operation is received; means for displaying the content to be played by the playing means and for displaying it together with the content when displaying a UI (user interface) object for receiving the first input operation; means for receiving progress information indicating that a value of a predetermined parameter, which is a parameter used in the game played by the distributor and can vary according to the progress of the game, has reached a predetermined value in a predetermined situation; A program for causing, when it is determined that the progress information has been received by the means for receiving the progress information, the means for displaying the UI object to be executed, or for causing the means for receiving the first input operation with respect to the UI object displayed by the means for displaying the UI object to be enabled.

3. A program executed by a computer, wherein a processor included in the computer has means for receiving content that is distributed in real time and includes a game played by a distributor; means for playing the content; means for receiving a first input operation from a viewer who is viewing the content; means for transmitting a support instruction for causing an effect of supporting the distributor in the game even if the person who has performed the first input operation does not play the game when the first input operation is received; means for displaying the content to be played by the playing means and for displaying it together with the content when displaying a UI (user interface) object for receiving the first input operation; means for receiving progress information indicating that a predetermined event has started in a predetermined situation in a game in which any one of a plurality of types of events starts according to the progress of the game played by the distributor; A program that, when it is determined that the progress information has been received by the means for receiving the progress information, causes the means for displaying the UI object to execute, or causes the means for enabling reception of the first input operation with respect to the UI object displayed by the means for displaying the UI object to execute.

Images